US President Donald Trump wore a mask for the first time since the advent of the pandemic, and the internet erupted over this turn of events. He was seen visiting the Walter Reed military hospital outside Washington, where he met wounded soldiers and health care workers. At the medical facility, Trump walked by media gathered for a carefully staged photo opportunity wearing a navy blue mask emblazoned with a presidential seal embossed in gold. He said only “thank you” as he passed.
Donald Trump who had been a strong advocate against masks, was heard saying, “I’ve never been against masks but I do believe they have a time and a place,” as he left the White House. He added that he “sort of liked” how he looked with one on, likening himself to the Lone Ranger, a fictional masked hero who with his Native American friend, Tonto, fought outlaws in the American Old West.
This is the same man that had mocked the CDC’s regulations to wear masks in public places as the pandemic started becoming rampant in the United States. Notably, he had also previously criticized Presidential rival candidate Joe Biden for wearing masks in public.
This new stance by the US President has caused a storm on social media. Many even wondered if this is a result of the recently recorded 66,528 coronavirus cases on Saturday, a new daily record for the country.
(source: BBC, Al Jazeera)