President Biden has “bigger issues” to worry about than following his own rule about wearing a face mask on federal properties, according to White House press secretary Jennifer Psaki.
The new president took off his face mask for a period of time while speaking to the public on Wednesday at the Lincoln Memorial, in federal lands, and while he was standing next to the statue of the country’s 16th president, shows a footage of C-SPAN . He put on his mask after the address. Hours earlier, he had signed a mandate requiring masks on federal properties, as well as on interstate public travel.
Biden’s older grandchildren and Biden’s daughter Ashley were also seen without masks.
BIDEN SPOTTED MASKLESS IN FEDERAL PROPERTY
Fox News’s Peter Doocy questioned the press secretary about the Biden family’s unmasked moments during a briefing on Thursday. Psaki said the president was “celebrating” an “historic day in our country”. She said he was surrounded by the family.
She said the mask’s mandate “sent a message” to the public about the importance of wearing the mask.
“We have taken several Covid precautions here, as you know,” continued Psaki. “I don’t know if I have more for you than that.”
Doocy pointed to a phrase that Biden coined in his inaugural speech about leading “not just by the example of our power, but by the power of our example”.
“Was it a good example of people watching?” Asked Doocy.
WHITE HOUSE PRESSED ON MESSAGE FROM THE BIDEN AMID TRUMP IMPEACHMENT PUSH UNIT
“I think we have bigger issues to worry about right now,” said Psaki.
“Wearing masks is not a party issue – it is a patriotic act that can save countless lives,” tweeted Biden Wednesday night. “That’s why I signed an executive order today issuing a mask mandate on federal property. It’s time to mask it, America.”
Biden’s executive order, the “100-day masking challenge”, will require masks and social distance in all federal buildings, on all federal lands and by federal and contracted employees, and on airlines, trains and transit systems that travel between states.
Although a president cannot tell state and local authorities what to demand, Biden’s order will urge states to enact their own mandates. Most states have already done so.
During his inaugural address, the new commander-in-chief warned that the “darkest and deadliest” days of the nation’s coronavirus pandemic could be ahead.
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At the beginning of the press conference, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that despite “a very, very high rate” of coronavirus cases, the United States may have reached a plateau. “There are always delays … but deaths and hospitalizations may be increasing … it’s not uncommon to see that.”
Evie Fordham of Fox News contributed to this report.