Florida surgeon general says he can't talk "clearly" with mask, doesn't apologize

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo said Tuesday that he "would never knowingly be disrespectful" regarding his failed meeting with state Sen. Tina Polsky — but he didn't apologize.

Driving the news: Ladapo’s remarks come almost a week after he attempted to meet with Polsky concerning his upcoming Senate confirmation hearing. Polsky ultimately sent Ladapo and two of his aides away for refusing to wear a mask, according to Florida Politics.

• Polsky told Ladapo that she had a serious condition. Ladapo offered to talk outside, which Polsky rebuffed, saying she would prefer to chat in her office, Axios' Ivana Saric writes.
• Ladapo, a doctor, reiterated that he "stated multiple times that she had every right to implement any safety protocols she wanted in her office."

What they're saying: "I attempted in good faith to find some way for us to communicate that would respect each of our preferences," Ladapo said in a statement.

• "Having a conversation with someone while wearing a mask is not something I find productive, especially when other options exist," he added.
• "It is important to me to communicate clearly and effectively with people. I can't do that when half of my face is covered."

Go deeper: Florida surgeon general kicked out of meeting with lawmaker for refusing to wear a mask