After President Donald Trump held an Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore — which did not feature social distancing — some Republicans are saying the participants should have adhered to federal guidelines aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
In an interview on NBC’s “Meet The Press” on Sunday, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) was asked what kind of example the event set as coronavirus cases are on the rise.
He said, “When you look at a national level, I think it is good that we celebrate our independence.”
“I think it inspired many. Obviously, I would like to have seen more face coverings there in order to set an example,” he continued.
When pressed on the lack of social distancing, Hutchinson said, “There should have been face coverings. They should have followed guidelines there. I know that it’s a controlled environment, so it’s really more about setting [an] example.”
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WATCH: Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.) says he would "have liked to see more face coverings" at Mount Rushmore to "set an example" but calls it a "controlled environment." #MTP #IfItsSunday
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) July 5, 2020
Gov. @AsaHutchinson: "They should have followed guidelines there." pic.twitter.com/4t2yLaFQhs
When asked if he would allow Trump to hold a rally in Arkansas, Hutchinson said, “There would have to be social distancing, and wearing of masks if you can’t social distance. You’d have to follow our guidelines, and that’s what we’d insist upon.”
Ahead of the Mount Rushmore event, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) said the state would not enforce social distancing, as IJR reported. During an interview on Fox News, she said, “We told those folks that have concerns that they can stay home.”
“But those who want to come and join us, we’ll be giving out free face masks, if they choose to wear one. But we will not be social distancing,” she added.
While Hutchinson said he would have liked to see more face coverings and the participants following social distancing guidelines, he said, “There is a virus fatigue in our country right now, and you have to live life. You can’t stop every activity.”
“But you have to be in a controlled environment in which you protect yourself and others and take it seriously,” he added.