President Donald Trump’s interaction with a reporter wearing a mask at a press conference in the Oval Office on March 24 has sparked mixed reactions online. Trump, who was announcing an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on auto imports, commented on the reporter’s mask, saying, “I haven’t seen anybody wearing a mask in a long time,” and jokingly added, “That’s so nice of you.” Some viewers on social media believed Trump’s remarks were sarcastic, with one user calling it “the funniest president ever” and another applauding his mockery of the reporter.

However, others defended the reporter’s decision to wear a mask, explaining that masks are still worn for reasons beyond COVID-19, such as protecting oneself or others from illness. Some argued that Trump’s comments were rude, especially if the reporter was wearing the mask to avoid spreading sickness. This incident has fueled an online debate about whether Trump’s comments were genuine or sarcastic, with opinions divided. This moment was notably less harsh than a similar exchange in 2020, when Trump asked a reporter to remove his mask for clearer communication.