Photo opp of a lifetime turns into cautionary tale for Trump supporter
Charles Kolean, a Dallas investment industry worker, was thrilled to take a photo with President Donald Trump last week after the 25-year-old won a Republican fund-raising contest.
That elation soon turned to shock.
On Monday, the member of the Dallas Young Republicans was isolating at home to avoid potentially spreading the coronavirus after his exposure to Trump who tested positive last week, a day after the donors’ event.
“I was really surprised to hear that because he has looked so healthy the night before,” Kolean said.
“I plan to quarantine for the full 14 days and have another COVID-19 test if I start having symptoms,” he added. He has had one negative test since returning home, and Trump’s presidential election campaign and New Jersey officials contacted him about his potential exposure.
VIP attendees, who were allowed closer proximity to Trump, were tested at the entrance for the virus, then waited in their cars for the results. After their negative test, Kolean and his friend, mortgage industry executive Daniel Hux, greeted Trump privately, keeping 6 feet apart, but were not permitted to shake Trump’s hand. The group moved outside for Trump’s remarks.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Monday called the event reckless because Trump knew Hope Hicks, a top adviser who accompanied him to Cleveland for a presidential debate earlier last week, had tested positive for the virus.
The Republican National Committee, which helped organize the fundraiser, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
