President Trump reiterated on Thursday his call for all American citizens to wear a mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 144,000 Americans and infected more than 4 million.
But minutes later, he was seen posing for photos and throwing a baseball with Little Leaguers in the South Lawn of the White House. No one wore a mask.
“We ask all Americans to be vigilant, to practice social distancing, to wear a mask, to do whatever it takes to get rid of this horrible situation,” Trump said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.
For months, the President resisted wearing a mask, and only recently backed public health officials’ recommendation that Americans cover their mouths and noses outside their homes, while refusing to impose a federal mandate. “We have to be vigilant,” he said. “We have to be careful. And we also have to lead by example. I think leading by example is very important.”
On Thursday night, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top adviser to Trump’s coronavirus task force, released the first pitch of the Major League season. He wore a mask.
Trump supporters have held unmasked rallies to show their support for the president. As recently as last month, he said he believed that some Americans wore masks as a sign that they disapproved.
The president also said the White House would ask Congress to provide more than $ 100 billion to schools in its next coronavirus relief bill to “support mitigation measures,” including smaller classes, more teachers, and, ” crucially, wear masks. “
Trump, who was joined by former New York Yankees Hall of Famer closer Mariano Rivera, stepped out into the front yard of the White House to greet about 15 young baseball players and play catch to commemorate the day. Major League Baseball Opening.
“The key is to get back to normal, because nobody wants to see this,” he said. “It is a tremendous thing, psychologically, for our country.”
The White House has said that Trump is regularly screened for COVID-19, and typically requires journalists and others to be screened before they come into close contact with the president. It is unclear if the Little Leaguers had been tested.
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