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Donald Trump’s farewell event guests asked to wear masks throughout, Internet says 'only 10% of crowd' will

'*Now* they are going to require masks?! They never miss an opportunity to obliterate irony,' mocked one internet user

While President Donald Trump prepares for an elaborate farewell ceremony as he leaves Washington for the last time as POTUS, one particular instruction of masks being made mandatory for those attending the event has caused quite the stir on Twitter. Scheduled for 8 am, the event is organized at Joint Andrews base where Trump will depart aboard the Air Force One for Florida.

Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs tweeted out the details. "Trump’s “ceremony” is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the military base where the outgoing president will make his final departure aboard Air Force One. He’ll be 1st living US president in more than a century to choose not to attend regular exchange of power," her tweet read.

Netizens took to the platform to express their opinion covering a variety of topics while also slamming the event. First up was the instruction of wearing the mask. "In words only. I’m guessing 10% of the crowd will be masked," read one of the tweets and another seconded this: "It is harder to Identify participants with a mask on. We are all exhausted by CovidHoaxers continuing to REFUSE wearing Masks. So chances are they will indeed be maskless and easier to identify."

"*Now* they are going to require masks?! They never miss an opportunity to obliterate irony," one of the comments read. "It definitely says mask and not white hood? How do we get into the base, through the door or, as Trump appears to prefer his supporters enter, through a broken window?" wrote one user.

Some had serious questions concerning the guests who were invited while also terming the event "narcissistic". One of the tweets said: "Who are these guests? Is the list public? Who are they bringing? Folks, the man cannot be trusted. Who are these people he's inviting into Washington DC and to the White House? Someone find out that list!"

Opinions flowed in thick and fast. "The White House just sent invitations for Trump’s departure event at Joint Base Andrews, starting at 8:00 am Wednesday. Only insurrectionists and traitors will be admitted," one of the netizens remarked.

There were calls for the press to not cover the event as they believed the emphasis has to be on the new President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. "Please tell the press not to cover this, it's Joe and Kamala's day, and he's just doing this to steal their thunder."

Associated Press reported that the event might include a 21-gun salute, a color guard and a military band. It is also believed there would be a red-carpet at the event. "He wants to try and take the spotlight off Biden. Please PRESS PEOPLE. DON'T BROADCAST THIS. Let Fox do it. This day the 20th of January 2021 should be titled Patriots Day. Broadcast our joy to be rid of the pain he caused over 4 years. Make America Beautiful Again TY!" read one of the tweets.

Previously, Trump had made an announcement he would skip Biden’s inauguration, breaking the tradition. This also means the outgoing President will not be taking part in the traditional helicopter lift from the US Capitol, a move that USA Today describes as the "potent moment of symbolism that underscores the peaceful transfer of power between two presidents". Vice President Mike Pence was set to attend the inauguration.