White House Mask Mandate... Except for Trump

Vice President Pence's Spokesperson Tests Positive for COVID-19, Delayed Response
COVID-19 Complacency Persists
Trump Appears at Event Without Mask

A White House staff member is attending President Donald Trump's briefing room wearing a mask on the 11th. In the background, President Trump can be seen without a mask.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The White House in the United States has finally mandated mask-wearing. However, President Donald Trump was excluded from this requirement.

According to the Washington Post (WP) on the 11th (local time), the White House announced a directive requiring employees to wear masks. A memo was distributed stating that all personnel entering the West Wing (White House office building) must wear masks or face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This came three days after Katie Miller, spokesperson for Vice President Mike Pence, tested positive for COVID-19, causing upheaval in the White House.

Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, was seen wearing a mask on the 11th. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Accordingly, officials must wear masks while inside the building. However, if they are seated at their desks or can maintain social distancing from others, masks are not required. If someone does not have a mask, they can obtain one at the White House infirmary.

Despite the White House’s measures, criticism of a typical "belated response" on a matter involving national security continued. In particular, it was reported that this directive would not apply to President Trump, and Vice President Pence was seen arriving at work without a mask, instead of self-quarantining, fueling ongoing controversy over the White House’s "COVID-19 complacency."

On that day, most West Wing staff and government officials, including Jared Kushner, senior advisor and President Trump’s son-in-law, wore masks, but President Trump appeared at a briefing in the Rose Garden without a mask.

When asked by a reporter why he had not told White House staff to wear masks in the past, President Trump replied, "Officials were spaced apart," adding, "I don’t get close to anyone." He was explaining his reason for not wearing a mask.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.