John Kerry, President Joe Biden’s special envoy on climate change, decried a photo of him maskless on a recent flight as “malarkey” and claimed he only took his mask off briefly.
The picture shows Kerry reading a book — not eating or drinking, which is when customers are allowed to take their masks off — while on an American Airlines flight:
@TheTNStar Exclusive: Biden’s @ClimateEnvoy John Kerry, took off his mask as he settled into a book in his first-class seat just before takeoff today on an @AmericanAir flight Boston to DC. He was not eating, nor drinking. He was simply flaunting Biden’s mandatory mask policy. pic.twitter.com/t1wDq9OtxD
— ReporterMcCabe (@NeilWMcCabe2) March 17, 2021
Kerry, however, said that “if” he “dropped his mask to one ear on a flight, it was momentary.”
Feels like there’s some St. Patrick’s day “malarkey” afoot on Twitter. Let’s be clear: If I dropped my mask to one ear on a flight, it was momentary. I wear my mask because it saves lives and stops the spread. It’s what the science tells us to do.
— Special Presidential Envoy John Kerry (@ClimateEnvoy) March 17, 2021
But Kerry’s pictured actions clearly showed him in violation of Biden’s own federal mask mandate.
American Airlines has said it is “looking into” the matter, but the airline has come under heavy criticism for not holding Kerry accountable immediately.
So, when I fly in May, all I have to do is remind y’all of this photo and I’m good to go without a mask, right? If you let one go then you let all go! pic.twitter.com/Bw9eOojsIr
— Not Your Average ? (@NotYour31010832) March 18, 2021
Other critics pointed out how hypocritical Kerry’s actions were, just like so many other Democrats’:
Actually sir, the science says it is about 1.8% effective, but I don’t think you’re really talking about science.
But it’s ok. We’re used to politicians doing whatever they want: having parties, dinners, traveling, buying jewelry, getting hair done, when we, the laymen, cannot.
— Just Jenn (@ZoeLightly) March 18, 2021
When I hear a politician use the word “malarkey” — that’s how I know they’re lying.
— Five Times August – “God Help Us All” OUT NOW (@FiveTimesAugust) March 18, 2021
You’re clearly engaged in reading some paperwork. You were not eating, you were not drinking. The rules clearly state the mask stays on at all times unless you are eating or drinking. Admit you broke the rules and act like a special envoy…this is not difficult…
— Chin14609 (@Chin14609) March 17, 2021
Shows again why mask mandates are a joke and it should be your own personal responsibility to manage what risk your comfortable with. The less government the better!
— Uncle Drewski (@uncledrewski13) March 18, 2021
I find lowering my mask and hanging it from one ear, helps me read books too.
— Matt Clancy (@mattclancy79) March 18, 2021
