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Jen Psaki says Joe Biden has ‘bigger issues’ to worry about than his OWN mask mandate, Internet slams hypocrisy

C-SPAN footage captured how the 46th POTUS ditched his COVID mask for a while as he addressed the public on Wednesday from the Lincoln Memorial, which is technically federal land

White House press secretary Jennifer Psaki feels President Joe Biden has "bigger issues" to worry about than adhering to his own hardline rule about wearing a face mask on federal property. C-SPAN footage captured how the 46th POTUS ditched his COVID mask for a while as he addressed the public on Wednesday from the Lincoln Memorial, which is technically federal land. While Biden put his mask on after the address, his older grandchildren and daughter Ashley were also spotted without masks at the event. The new president had signed a mandate requiring masks on federal property and interstate public travel just hours earlier.

During a Thursday briefing, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked the press secretary about the maskless moments. In response, Psaki said Biden had been "celebrating" a "historic day in our country" and was surrounded by family. She went on to claim the mask mandate had made the public aware of the importance of mask-wearing. "We take a number of Covid precautions here, as you know," Psaki continued. "I don't know that I have more for you on it than that." 

However, Doocy noted how Biden had said in his inaugural address about leading "not merely by the example of our power but by the power of our example." "Was that a good example for people watching?" he asked. "I think we have bigger issues to worry about at this moment in time," Psaki replied. 

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

His "100-day masking challenge" executive order will require masks and social distancing in all federal buildings, land, by federal employees and contractors. It is also expected to be followed while traveling across states.

It's worth noting that a president cannot tell state and local officials what is required, albeit Biden's executive order will urge states to enforce their own mandates - and most states have already done so, Fox News reported. The new commander-in-chief warned in his inaugural address that the nation's "darkest and most deadly" days with respect to the pandemic could still be ahead of it. Earlier in the briefing on Thursday, Dr. Anthony Fauci raised eyebrows by saying the US may have reached a plateau despite "a very, very high rate" of coronavirus cases. "There are always lags … but deaths and hospitalizations may be going up … it’s not an unusual thing to see that," he asserted.

Social media users lashed out at Biden and his press secretary for their apparent hypocrisy. "Biden today: Mask up everyone Psaki two hours later: There are more important things happening than the Biden family not wearing masks against his executive order," commentator Stephen L. Miller tweeted.

"Good for the reporter who just asked why Biden didn't wear a mask at the Lincoln memorial. Psaki says "he was celebrating" in response. We have bigger issues to worry about at this moment in time. Trump was practically labeled a murderer for his horrible example. SMH," another wrote.

"WOW. Biden Press Secretary Jen Psaki excuses Joe Biden's failure to comply with his own mask mandate at the Lincoln Memorial last night because he was "celebrating." It's rules for thee but not for me from Joe Biden," GOP alum Steve Guest added.