On Saturday, President Donald Trump decides to wear a mask during his visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington. This marks the first time that the President had worn a mask since the coronavirus outbreak took place in March.

During his visit, Trump flew in a helicopter to visit the wounded service members and the medical personnel who were caring for COVID-19 patients. As a safety precaution, the President had decided to wear a mask to the hospital.

While Trump did not wear a mask when he had arrived in the helicopter, he made sure he was wearing one upon entering the hospital facility. Trump explained to the members of the media that “When you’re in a hospital, especially … I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask.” This marks a huge step for the President, who had refused to wear any facial coverings during conferences and other public events. According to reports from the Associated Press, people who are close to Trump claimed that wearing a mask made the President appear weak in public. He also believed that wearing one shifts the focus on the health crisis, instead of economic recovery.

While the President had worn the mask out of a health necessity, Democrats had a heyday targeting the President over his decision to do so. According to Andrew Bates, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, Trump had “wasted” four months. Bates regarded the President’s decision as a little too late. He accused that “Donald Trump spent months ignoring the advice of medical experts and politicizing wearing a mask, one of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of the virus.” He continued to say that rather than setting himself as an example, he had instead “stoke” political division by “discouraging people” from following health and safety guidelines that would protect them from catching the virus.

Moreover, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also reacted to the incident. On Sunday, Pelosi told CNN that she was “glad” Trump had “obeyed” the rules which were given by the military hospital, adding that “he’s crossed a bridge.” According to the hospital’s website, they are recommending people to wear masks whenever they visit a local grocery store or pharmacy, especially when it is difficult to observe a 6 feet social distance. They have also noted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggestion, which notes that facial coverings are a good way to stop the spread of the Chinese virus.

In addition, Pelosi also believed that Trump’s small action serves as an “admission” that facial covering can indeed stop the spread of the deadly virus. The staunch anti-Trump supporter hoped that this will help the President have a change of attitude when it comes to wearing a mask.

Contrary to the Democrats’ accusation, the President acknowledges the importance of wearing one, especially during a close indoor setting. Even Vice President Mike Pence had encouraged people to wear masks as cases continued to rise in certain states following the large gatherings as a result of the Black Lives Matter Protest. Other Republican Governors had also decided to require people to wear masks.