Mask Off: Donald Trump Declines Mask for Protection Against COVID-19 During Mask Factory Tour

Donald Trump took a tour of the manufacturing plant that has been tasked with making N95 masks for the government on Tuesday morning, and he wasn’t even wearing a mask.

There were multiple signs up inside of the Phoenix-based Honeywell, but the leader of the free world and other government officials chose to wear protective goggles.

Shortly before he left Washington D.C. to go to Phoenix, Trump was asked if he’d wear a mask during his visit but he said it “doesn’t sound right” if he has to make public speeches. “If it’s a masked facility, I will. I don’t know if it’s a masked facility … I haven’t decided because I don’t know … If it’s a mask environment, I would certainly do that,” Trump said. “I’ll know when I get there. But I would wear it. If it’s a mask environment, I would have no problem.”

Donald Trump added, “I’m supposed to make a speech. You’ll tell me: Should I leave the mask on when I’m speaking?” he said. “I don’t know. I just — it doesn’t sound right. But if it’s a mask environment, I would certainly wear a mask.”

The Associated Press reported almost all Honeywell factory workers and members of the press were seen wearing protective face coverings. Some White House staff and Secret Service agents wore masks, but Senior White House stagg and Honeywell executives opted not to.

An official for the White House claims the Prez wasn’t required to wear a mask but was advised to take precaution.

Vice President Mike Pence got backlash last week for being spotted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, without a mask. Pence claims he didn’t know the masks were a requirement and insisted that he gets tested regularly for COVID-19 although people in low-income communities don’t have access to testing.

“As Vice President of the United States, I’m tested for the coronavirus on a regular basis, and everyone who is around me is tested for the coronavirus,” Pence said after the controversy. “I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to be here, to be able to speak to these researchers, these incredible health care personnel, and look them in the eye and say thank you.”