This is getting ugly for Trump and Pence
Individuals with daily access to both Donald Trump and to Mike Pence have now tested positive for the coronavirus. Yet Trump and Pence still refuse to wear masks, with Trump saying him in a mask would make him look ridiculous, and with Pence who knows? It appears to be an attempted show of strength to Trump’s base. However, it is foolish and endangers many.
This week, Trump traveled to Arizona to visit the Honeywell factory that is making masks. Trump had goggles on, but no gloves or face covering, touching masks and putting them back in bins. Those masks should be sterilized or discarded by Honeywell. Pence delivered PPE to a healthcare facility and again, nobody in his entourage wore a mask.
The latest and most egregious example of this show of disregard for others was the gathering of World War II veterans, all now in their 90s, to honor the 75th Anniversary of V-E Day. Trump wore no mask or gloves with this vulnerable group. But his Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, stated:
“This president is regularly tested; this president will make the decision as to whether to wear a mask or not. I can tell you those veterans are protected, they made the choice to come here because they’ve chosen to put their nation first. They wanted to be with their commander-in-chief on this momentous day. And it was their choice to come here. And I can tell you the president always puts the safety of our veterans first and of the American people first.”
Trying to act tough and be macho, subjecting true heroes to potential illness, says everything we need to know about the Commander in Chief. His disregard for everyone but himself has been unmasked.
Daniel is a lawyer writing and teaching about SCOTUS, and is the author of the book “The Chief Justices” about the SCOTUS as seen through the center seat.