President Trump issued his strongest encouragement to date to wear masks, saying they are effective in containing the spread of coronavirus, yet wasn't wearing one himself.
After months of downplaying their importance and insisting they are only a recommendation, Trump said Tuesday that masks should be worn when people are unable to spread out.
"We are asking everybody, when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask," Trump said.
He went on: "Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact."
Trump was not wearing a mask during his appearance in the White House briefing room.
Asked later about whether he's providing an example to Americans on mask-wearing, Trump said he was — and pulled out his navy blue mask from his pocket to demonstrate his readiness to cover his face.
"I carry it, I wear it," Trump said, saying when he's in an elevator with security personnel, he will wear a mask to protect them.
"I'm getting used to the mask. Think about patriotism. Maybe it helps. It helps," Trump said, stopping short of actually putting the mask on.
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