President Donald Trump has been accused by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms of breaking the law. And why? Because she says that Trump did not wear a mask at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
During a visit to Atlanta on Wednesday, President Donald Trump was spotted not wearing a mask. This is according to Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. In an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on “The Situation Room,” she explained. She said that because the airport is owned and operated by the city of Atlanta, the executive order requiring masks applies.
The White House was asked for a response on the matter. Instead of directly addressing Bottom’s accusation, they insisted that Trump was following CDC guidance.
“The President takes the health and safety of everyone traveling in support of himself and all White House operations very seriously,” said Judd Deere, deputy press secretary, in a statement to CNN.
“When preparing for and carrying out any travel, White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office, to ensure plans incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible.”
An administration official added that Trump never left the airport. Also, he and those in close proximity to him have been tested for the virus.
However, that wasn’t enough to convince the Atlanta mayor. She was not impressed that Trump didn’t wear a mask. This isn’t the first time she’s accused the President of poor leadership.
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Trump wore a mask for in public on Saturday. However, this was the first time he’d been seen wearing a mask in weeks, and it came after his staff requested that he do so. Trump is well-known for his reluctance in that matter.
During the interview with Blitzer, Bottoms said she wasn’t shocked by Trump’s decision to not wear a mask.
“So by not having on a mask, President Trump did violate law in the city of Atlanta. But, I am somehow not surprised that he disregarded our rules and regulations in the city,” she said.
“But, it was encouraging to see that others did have some regard for what we’re doing. And for what we tried to accomplish in Atlanta. And that’s to slow the spread of Covid-19,” said Bottoms.
However, some disagree over whether Trump broke the law or not. Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said that Bottom’s accusation goes beyond the measures he’s put in place. On Wednesday, Kemp signed an executive order. It prohibits local governments from requiring people to wear masks in public. This includes during business travel booking.
When asked if she planned to give Trump a citation, Bottoms replied, “Just a citation that sends him back to Washington, DC.”
Human psychology might be at play in regard to whether people choose to wear masks. They might need to change their tune, however.
Related: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance BottomsHas Tested Positive for Coronavirus
