Trump Encourages Wearing Mask, Does Not Put One On, At Briefing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump, in an apparent change of tone, warned the coronavirus pandemic will "get worse before it gets better" during his first news briefing on the subject since the spring but still says eventually the virus will "disappear" once a vaccine is developed.

One reporter at the briefing described it as a "more realistic tone" coming from the commander-in-chief. Watch a recap of the briefing on the White House's YouTube channel.

Coming out about 10 minutes late, Trump did not wear a mask to the news briefing but later encouraged everyone to wear one when unable to socially distance. When asked why he doesn't wear one more often, the president pulled a cloth face covering out of his pocket and showed it, but did not put it on.

"I carry the mask," Trump said. "I will use it gladly. If I'm in an elevator with people I put on a mask. I have no problem with the masks. I view it this way: If there's anything that can potentially help, that is certainly a good thing."

"When you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask," he said during the opening statement of the briefing. "Whether you like the mask or not, they make an impact."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Deborah Birx and other members of the White House coronavirus task force did not join Trump at the briefing. When asked about where they were, the president responded, "Dr. Birx is right outside. Next question?"

Trump wouldn't say whether he supports more funding for testing, and that he's yet to meet with certain lawmakers on that aspect of the next coronavirus relief bill that's being discussed on Capitol Hill. Still, he said he and other lawmakers are "working very hard" on the economic stimulus and that "we are going to get it done."

Bragging about his handling of the economy during a global pandemic, Trump forecasts a "record year" coming in 2021.

He also praised his relationship with state governors, stating all of them he's spoken with have indicated they have enough bed space and do not need any help on curtailing the coronavirus spread from the federal government. Although he did acknowledge the surge in coronavirus cases reported in recent weeks in the country's southern states like Florida, Texas and Arizona.

"Florida is in a big tough position," he said. "They have a great governor there. They have a great governor in Texas. They are very skilled people and I think they are going to handle it well."

Trump did not bring up, perhaps surprisingly, his Democratic rival in the upcoming 2020 presidential election, former Vice President Joe Biden. Biden did not immediately address Trump's Tuesday briefing but has often attacked the president for his handling of the crisis.

In a July 19 tweet, Biden said Trump has "ignored the experts and refused to take action" on the crisis.

"He has failed our nation," Biden said.

Trump's move to bring his news briefings back comes as his approval rating plummets and he struggles to turn the public's attention away from the economic devastation caused by the virus in the months leading up to the election. More than half of the public now disapproves "strongly" of the president's handling of the outbreak, an increase from 36 percent in strong disapproval since March, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.