Donald Trump Jr., one of the most recognizable faces in the United States, was widely mocked after he claimed the one reason he'll keep wearing masks when he travels by plane is not to protect himself from COVID-19 but so he can remain anonymous.
Writing on Twitter, Trump Jr. criticized a New York Post report that most Americans support keeping mask mandates in place on public transit.
Jr. said he continues to wear a mask "for anonymity" and "not because I think a small cloth does anything."
Later, responding to a tweet from the conservative pundit Michael Knowles who claimed the "best part" about lifting mask mandates is people can point out the number of liberals on flights, Trump Jr. said he'll keep wearing a mask "so I can stay under the radar."
But as others pointed out, it's not exactly hard to point out Trump Jr. in a crowd.
He was swiftly mocked for his statement.
Trump Jr.'s oddball claim came after a federal judge struck down the Biden administration’s mandate that masks be worn aboard planes, trains, buses and other public transportation, creating an immediate change in policy that sent ripple effects through the air and rail travel industries.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has different recommendations for different locations and situations dependent on COVID-19 caseloads, crowd density and other factors.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced it will appeal the ruling that struck down the mandate but will not ask a court to stay the decision, which means passengers can continue to travel without masks while the mandate is litigated.
In a statement, the DOJ said it and the CDC "disagree with the district court’s decision and will appeal, subject to CDC’s conclusion that the order remains necessary for public health."
