Gohmert Aide Alleges Staffers Are ‘Berated’ For Wearing Masks, Office Is Regularly Full

TOPLINE

Politico playbook author Jake Sherman posted an email ostensibly from an aide to Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.) — who confirmed Wednesday he had tested positive for coronavirus — suggesting Gohmert requires the office to be full and that staffers are berated for wearing masks.

KEY FACTS

Key Background

“I keep being tested, and I don’t have it,” Gohmert told CNN last month. “So I’m not afraid of you, but if I get it I’ll wear a mask.” Gohmert’s positive diagnosis came during routine White House testing as part of his now-canceled plans to travel with President Trump to West Texas on Wednesday. Gohmert is reportedly at least the eighth member of Congress to contract the virus, which has exploded in his home state of Texas in recent weeks. 

Crucial Quote

Speaking to KETK, an NBC affiliate in east Texas, Gohmert maintained his long standing opposition to required mask-wearing, asserting “this used to be a free country,” when asked if he has altered his position on mask mandates. “I can’t help but wonder if by keeping a mask on and keeping it in place, if I might have put some of the virus on the mask and breathed it in,” Gohmert added, without citing evidence for his claim.

Chief Critic

Sherman tore into Congressional leaders for not requiring testing or masks for members of Congress. “The Capitol has superspreader written all over it. People are coming off planes, out of cars, and many of them can’t be relied upon to follow basic masking rules that are mandatory across the country,” he tweeted. “YET, THE CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP refuses to require testing or masks for the people who come into the building each week.”