McEnany hits Democratic leaders for not following their own COVID-19 restrictions

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday admonished Democratic leaders who have sparked controversy after being seen in public despite health restrictions several of them implemented or supported in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Behind me you will see images of Democrat hypocrisy playing on loop,” McEnany told reporters during a press briefing.

The press secretary played images of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) eating at an indoor restaurant last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) celebrating President-elect Joe Biden’s victory last month in what McEnany called “maskless streets” and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) visiting a California hair salon earlier this summer while they were closed by local health officials. 

“Quite clearly, these Democrats do not follow their own edicts,” she said. “They act in a way their own citizens are barred from acting.” 

Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany: “Democrat politicians seek to impose draconian restrictions against their citizens.” pic.twitter.com/0SBr1OBc9z

— The Hill (@thehill) December 2, 2020

The White House has also come under criticism for hosting large indoor and outdoor gatherings during the pandemic, including a nomination ceremony for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett and President Trump’s speech to supporters on election night. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease doctor, characterized Barrett’s nomination event as a “superspreader” one after a number of individuals who attended it subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. 

A number of White House officials have become infected with the coronavirus at some point in the last few months, including Trump and McEnany. 

Administration officials are also planning a packed lineup of holiday parties, despite guidance from the White House coronavirus task force for all Americans to avoid gathering in large groups and stay home during the holiday. 

Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for first lady Melania Trump, told The Hill this week that the White House is providing the “safest environment possible” during the parties.

“The People’s House will celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah while providing the safest environment possible. This includes smaller guest lists, masks will be required and available, social distancing encouraged while on the White House grounds, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the State Floor,” Grisham said in a statement.

“Guests will enjoy food individually plated by chefs at plexiglass-protected food stations. All passed beverages will be covered. All service staff will wear masks and gloves to comply with food safety guidelines,” she added. “Attending the parties will be a very personal choice. It is a longstanding tradition for people to visit and enjoy the cheer and iconic decor of the annual White House Christmas celebrations.”