Biden Removed His Mask Inside Lincoln Memorial

Hours after signing a national mask mandate, President Joe Biden removed his mask while visiting the Lincoln Memorial Wednesday. The President, who issued the executive order during his first day as President, required face masks when inside federal buildings. Also, it requested that every American should wear a mask when they are around people outside their household.

RELATE: Biden Signs EOs, Including National Mask Mandate

C-SPAN Footage

Viewers spotted a maskless Biden during a televised address to the whole country. Additional C-SPAN footage also caught the 78-year old President not wearing a mask as he stood at the foot of the Lincoln memorial. The clip showed Biden standing without a mask before Lincoln’s statue. The lapse in his own safety measure happened mere hours after signing an executive order mandating masks on federal property.

“Wearing masks isn't a partisan issue – it's a patriotic act that can save countless lives. That's why I signed an executive order today issuing a mask mandate on federal property. It's time to mask up, America,” tweeted Biden Wednesday night.

Criticisms

Upon seeing his maskless picture, conservatives called out the President for the seeming double standard. “Does Joe Biden's new executive order mandating masks on federal property not apply to Joe Biden while he's on federal property? Because here he is at the Lincoln Memorial with no mask just hours after signing it,” tweeted Turning Point USA's, Charlie Kirk. Kirk included the photo of Biden who really wasn’t wearing a mask on Federal property.

Ryan Saavedra of the Daily Wire also took to Twitter to point out the irony. “Biden signed a mask mandate requiring everyone who is on federal land to have to wear masks. Here is Biden tonight at the Lincoln Memorial, which is on federal land, not wearing a mask,” he wrote.

Executive Order and 100-day Masking Challenge

During his inaugural address, Biden said that the nation's “darkest and most deadly” coronavirus pandemic days could be ahead of it. His National Mask Mandate Order includes a 100-day challenge that requires masks and social distancing in all federal buildings, on all federal land and by federal employees and contractors, and on airlines, trains, and transit systems traveling between states.

While the president and the federal mandate cannot override what state and local officials can require, Biden’s order will urge states to enact their own mandates, which most already have. Biden also said he will ask every governor to make mask-wearing mandatory in their state. In addition, he will also ask public health officials and local authorities to support their state’s mask orders.

‘I Don’t Know’

When Fox News asked about why Biden removed his mask, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that Biden was celebrating that evening, and delved on his executive order. Pressed if going maskless is a good example, Psaki said “but I don't know that I have more for you on it than that.” She added that yesterday was a historic moment and that the president was surrounded by family. “We take a number of precautions, but I don't think– I think we have bigger issues to worry about at this moment in time,” Psaki said.

Watch the Golden State news video where a reporter slams Joe Biden for NOT wearing a mask on federal property:

Seeing that the President removed his mask on federal property, what do you think of this lapse of judgment? Do you think this will affect compliance with the federal campaign that encourages mask-wearing when outside? Let us know what you think by sharing your thoughts below.