Prominent Republicans are increasingly publicly breaking up with President Donald Trump over the issue of wearing masks during the coronavirus pandemic.
The president has discounted the usefulness of wearing masks, which he does not wear while in public. And Trump has held campaign rallies without requiring supporters to put on masks.
But Republicans have begun posting photos in masks and urging their followers to follow suit.
South Carolina Republican Governor Henry McMaster urged his followers to wear a mask:
“Wear a mask. Wear a mask. Wear a mask.” pic.twitter.com/3CxeVSJhZv
– Governor Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) June 26, 2020
Former Trump Secretary of Defense James Mattis urged people to wear masks:
Here’s a video of James Mattis wearing a mask, urging others to do the same and saying, “Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that division will never work to defeat an enemy.” pic.twitter.com/fOYLnS6Iqn
– Mike Baker (@ByMikeBaker) June 26, 2020
Former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney was photographed wearing a mask in a photo shared by his daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY):
Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK. #realmenwearmasks pic.twitter.com/iBfVoa7ypL
– Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) June 26, 2020
Senator John Boozman (R-AR) asked people to wear a mask:
Protect yourself and others, wear a mask when you go out in public. It is a way that we can all do our part to fight this virus and stay healthy.
I applaud @SpringdaleCofC for helping its members and community send this message so that we can help stop the spread of COVID-19. https://t.co/UVP0Gc4FvM
– Senator John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) June 26, 2020
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) posted a photo showing him wearing a mask:
It’s great to join the Wamego School District to help distribute meals as part of the school lunch program, which continues to ensure that certain students in the area receive nutritious meals. Thanks to Laura Fails, Superintendent Tim Winters and Director of Food Services for the invitation! pic.twitter.com/w8NIYUA1rZ
– Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) June 26, 2020
Senator Rob Portman posted photos showing him wearing a mask:
This morning I stopped at the Hoxworth Blue Ash @Hoxworthuc location to donate blood. If you are healthy and capable, I encourage you to donate blood. It’s fast, easy, and most importantly, it can save lives. Go to https://t.co/E0kw6tZkiv to sign up for a donation time. pic.twitter.com/vH6TdxVkd3
– Rob Portman (@senrobportman) June 26, 2020
Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) says wearing a mask is “a simple step we can all take together to curb the spread”:
Wearing a mask can help protect you and others from # COVID19 – it’s a simple step that we can all take together to reduce the spread. #MaskUpUtah! pic.twitter.com/iEmGDDxH0f
– Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) June 24, 2020
Representative Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) urges people to “remember to wear their masks”:
When you go out this weekend, remember to wear your masks and do your part to fight COVID-19 in our community and keep Ohio safe. pic.twitter.com/gkFRv71y9u
– Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (@RepAGonzalez) June 26, 2020
Texas Republican Rep. Michael Burgess, who is a physician, praised Cheney’s “good advice”:
Good advice from former Vice President Cheney! https://t.co/tXf2JFyrz9
– Michael Burgess, MD (@michaelcburgess) June 26, 2020
Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) says wearing a mask is “essential”:
#TarrantCounty, #MaskUp: @ judge_whitley’s ordinance requiring masks to be worn in businesses goes into effect at 6:00 pm Taking small steps, like wearing a mask to keep our neighbors healthy, is essential to keeping Fort Worth and Texas open for business. pic.twitter.com/P51xplefa2
– Rep. Kay Granger (@RepKayGranger) June 26, 2020
