Donald Trump’s top spokeswoman attacked Democrats for “hypocrisy” on Covid as her husband watched her briefing without a mask.
White House journalists hit out as Kayleigh McEnany’s husband Sean Gilmartin stood and watched his wife work while breaking virus protocols.
New York Times photographer Doug Mills complained to officials that Mr Gilmartin had broken mask wearing rules in White House press areas, according to reports.
“Kayleigh McEnany’s husband, Sean Gilmartin, was present during the news briefing in the rear of the briefing room and maskless,” stated the White House press pool report.
Mr Mills, who has covered the White House for almost four decades, "politely pointed out to Gilmartin rules requiring masks be worn in White House press areas.”
“A White House staffer who was with Gilmartin said incredulously, ‘Kayleigh’s husband?'
“The staffer and Gilmartin exited together as Mills restated the mask rules and said it doesn’t matter who he is.”
Mr Mills later confirmed that Mr Gilmartin was maskless throughout the briefing and that he had no idea who he was when he complained.
At the start of her briefing on Wednesday, Ms McEnany had shown a video of Democratic politicians and a CNN anchor breaking local Covid restrictions or not following their own advice.
“These images behind me make clear Democrats’ mindsets: Rules for thee but not for me,” said Ms McEnany.
“We all know how to protect ourselves from Covid-19. Wash your hands, socially distance, wear a mask.”
