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Things We Saw Today: Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and 6 White House Staffers Caught COVID-19

Plus Baby Yoda, Captain America, and more!

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In what can only be described as icing on the cake, Trump’s lame duck White House is riddled with coronavirus. Chief of staff Mark Meadows has tested positive for COVID-19, along with 6 other staffers including campaign aide Nick Trainer. Meadows, seen above maskless and touching supporters, had previously told CNN’s Jake Tapper that Trump had given up trying to contain the virus. Meadows has behaved recklessly throughout the pandemic, including hosting a 70-person indoor wedding for his daughter in May in Atlanta, GA.

This would be the second coronavirus outbreak at the White House, following the rose garden appointment of Amy Coney Barrett which resulted in over a dozen infections. Those infected included Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Kellyanne Conway, Chris Christie, Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, RNC chair Ronna McDaniel, and senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).

Mike Pence’s office also saw an outbreak of its own just last week. Meadows sought to keep the Pence outbreak out of the media, which obviously failed. Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz also tested positive, but it’s unclear if he caught it from the White House. You may remember Gaetz as the congressman who wore a gas mask to mock the public panic over the virus:

According to CNN, Trump campaign staffers “are furious because the leadership in the campaign never sent out an email informing staff of the positive cases or cautioning them to stay home for the time being. Meadows was in the office multiple times this week without a mask. Several staffers have said they are upset with how it’s been handled, given most people in the office do not wear a mask or social distance.”

Meadows has spent the past week in close proximity to the Trump family, but they have yet to announce any further positive tests. Here’s Chris Evans dunking on the infectious duo:

I mean, play COVID-19 games, win COVID-19 prizes I guess. Meadows and company better get that treatment now before they get booted off of that sweet federal healthcare. It’s a fittingly lame end to a cruel and reckless administration. Good riddance.

(via CNN, image: Mark Makela/Getty Images)

  • There was SO MUCH cute baby Yoda content in this week’s The Mandalorian. (via io9)
  • Star Trek: Discovery‘s Ian Alexander talks their groundbreaking role as the franchise’s first trans character. (via CBR)
  • Mass Effect is getting a re-mastered re-release in Spring 2021. (via A.V. Club)
  • Chris Evans turns around chair, sits down backwards:
  • Here’s a list of all the LGBTQ+ candidates that won their races. (via Autostraddle)
  • Everyone’s excited about the Biden Harris win. (via Entertainment Weekly)
  • MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow is in self-quarantine after exposure to someone with COVID-19. (via New York Times)

What a momentous day. Celebrate and stay safe, Mary Suevians!

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Author
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Chelsea Steiner
Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.