South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem flew with President Trump on Air Force One on Friday after closely interacting with Kimberly Guilfoyle, a senior presidential campaign advisor and the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr - who has been confirmed positive with COVID-19, The Associated Press reported on Monday.
According to AP, the governor had an exchange with Guilfoyle, who was confirmed to have coronavirus on Friday, during a campaign fundraiser in South Dakota the previous day.
The two were also reportedly seen hugging each other during Guilfoyle’s visit last week.
While flying to Washington, D.C. with Trump on Friday, Noem was not wearing a face mask, an office spokeswoman, Maggie Seidel, told the AP.
“I don’t understand why Gov. Noem now needs to manage the president’s medical care,” Seidel reportedly said after being asked about potential risks to the president.
Asked about Noem's Air Force One trip during a briefing on Monday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany confirmed that both the president and those around him are tested frequently.
“They take the president’s health very seriously. They would never put him in a situation that would put him in harm’s way", Ms McEnany said regarding the secret service.
Other Republican officials have potentially been in contact with Guilfoyle including Susan Gianforte - the wife and running mate of Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte.
Lieutenant governor candidate Kristen Juras, Republican congressional candidates, state auditor Matt Rosendale and state auditor candidate Troy Downing, all attended a Trump fundraising event 1 July in Gallatin County with Guilfoyle.