A video sent to President Biden’s Twitter account contradicts White House press secretary Jen Psaki’s Friday statement that Vice President Kamala Harris and others used a face mask right before they head outside to the Rose Garden to greet Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the Supreme Court, Fox News informed.
Face masks are worn inside the White House, parts of the video shows, however footage from within the Oval Office shows Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Jackson, as well as members of Jackson’s family gathered around Biden without wearing face masks at one point.
Psaki stood in defense of Harris on Friday after she hugged Jackson without wearing a face covering after coming into close contact with her communications director, who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. The footage contradicts Psaki’s claims that “the Harris has been wearing a mask indoors” and that “they were all wearing face coverings before they went out for the private welcome.”
Psaki appeared to acknowledge the error when asked by Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy about the hug between Harris and Jackson at the White House ceremony earlier on Friday, saying that the VP “was socially distanced for 99.9% of the time at the event, and she was going through an emotional moment, which is understandable.”
Doocy also pointed out to Psaki that while sitting over the Senate confirmation hearing for Jackson on Thursday, Harris did not wear a face mask as well.
Jamal Simmons, Harris’ director for communications, tested positive for COVID-19 one day after attending a White House ceremony when he was in close proximity to Harris and former President Barack Obama without wearing a mask. Simmons is secluding himself at home.
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