Trump Family Refused Masks Before Debate In Cleveland: Reports
CLEVELAND — President Donald Trump and his family refused to wear masks indoors during the first presidential debate with Joe Biden in Cleveland on Tuesday evening, according to Fox News' Chris Wallace.
In a televised interview on Fox, Wallace said the Trump family came into the debate venue wearing masks but took them off after taking their seats. Wallace said that violated the Cleveland Clinic's health and safety protocols.
"On the Trump side of the hall, Mrs. Trump came in wearing a mask but took it off once she sat down," Wallace said. "I didn't see when they came in but all the other members of the first family that I saw there, including Ivanka, Tiffany, when they sat down they weren't wearing masks."
Wallace said he was told that someone from the Cleveland Clinic offered the first family masks in case they didn't have them but they waved them away. Wallace said he was told by someone from the pool of reporters covering the debate that this happened before Mrs. Trump sat down.
The Cleveland Clinic said both Trump and Biden, and their respective campaigns, tested negative for COVID-19 prior to the debate.
“Our thoughts are with the President, First Lady and all of our guests. As health advisor to the Commission on Presidential Debates and the host site, we had requirements to maintain a safe environment that align with CDC guidelines- including social distancing, hand sanitizing, temperature checks and masking. Most importantly, everyone permitted inside the debate hall tested negative for COVID-19 prior to entry. Individuals traveling with both candidates, including the candidates themselves, had been tested and tested negative by their respective campaigns. the hospital system said in a statement sent to Patch.
Members of the Cleveland Clinic staff said they believe there was a low risk of exposure to guests inside the debate venue. However, officials will be reaching out to guests in attendance to address any concerns or questions.
"We will continue to monitor the information being released by the White House," the Cleveland Clinic said.
Ohio also has a mandatory mask policy, which is in effect at any indoor space that is not a home.
Tuesday's presidential debate between Trump and Biden was originally to be held at the University of Notre Dame. The college backed out of hosting after COVID-19 swept the nation and the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University agreed to co-host the first debate. The Cleveland Clinic has been heavily involved in crafting the health and safety protocols for the presidential debates.
Trump announced that he and his wife, Melania, had tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday morning. He said they would begin quarantining together.
One of Ohio's two senators, Sherrod Brown, said he was "extremely troubled" by reports that Trump's family refused to don masks, but he wished the Trumps a safe and speedy recovery. Gov. Mike DeWine said he and his wife will be praying for the Trumps.
This article originally appeared on the Cleveland Patch
