May 11, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Top White House brass now required to wear face masks

Jared Kushner and Adm. Brett Giroir, the federal official overseeing testing, wear masks at the White House during President Trump's news conference Monday afternoon. Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

More than a month after recommending Americans wear face masks in public, the White House is taking its own advice.

Why it matters: Not even the West Wing — which now tests people once a day to prevent President Trump from exposure — is immune to this contagion.

  • "The request does not apply to offices, however, and President Trump is still unlikely to wear a mask or face covering, aides say. Vice President Pence was spotted on the grounds of the White House on Monday without a mask, and it is unclear if aides will wear masks in the Oval Office." (WashPost)

Between the lines: The White House memo describes masks as "an additional layer of protection." Few in the West Wing had been wearing masks.

  • In an interview for "Axios on HBO" that airs tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT, Pence said the administration would be listening to the White House doctor on the issue. See a clip.

The big picture: A growing cadre of those running the coronavirus response are now doing their jobs from quarantine.

  • Three top health officials are in self-isolation, including Anthony Fauci, CDC director Robert Redfield and FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn — after coming into contact with people who may have been exposed.
  • So is Sen. Lamar Alexander, who will remotely chair a hearing this week with Fauci, Redfield and Hahn.
  • Pence's press secretary, Katie Miller, who is married to Trump aide Stephen Miller, tested positive last week.
  • One of Trump's valets also tested positive a day prior.

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