White House press secretary Jen Psaki speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/AP

White House says Abbott and DeSantis putting their political ‘interests’ ahead of Biden’s vaccine mandates

Christian Datoc October 12, 03:20 PMOctober 12, 03:20 PM

White House press secretary Jen Psaki repeatedly criticized Republican Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida for putting the “interests of your own politics” ahead of the “interests of the people you are governing.”

Psaki’s comments came during Monday’s White House press briefing as she suggested the administration did not plan to “sue” Abbott, DeSantis, or their states for seeking to block President Joe Biden’s pending Occupational Security and Health Administration rules that would mandate large businesses to vaccinate their employees.

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“Our intention is to implement and continue to work to implement these requirements across the country, including in the states where there are attempts to oppose them,” the press secretary said. “I will say since you gave me the opportunity, Gov. Abbott’s executive order banning mandates — and I would also note the announcement by Gov. DeSantis this morning, essentially, banning the implementation of mandates — fit a familiar pattern that we’ve seen of putting politics ahead of public health.”

“Over 700,000 American lives have been lost due to COVID-19, including more than 56,000 in Florida and over 68,000 in Texas, and every leader should be focused on supporting efforts to save lives and end the pandemic,” she continued. “Why would you be taking steps that prevent the saving of lives that make it more difficult to save lives across the country or in any state?”

She added that, unlike the two Republican leaders, “to get out of this pandemic, the president will use every lever at his disposal.”

Later in the briefing, a reporter asked Psaki to clarify why the governors, who know “that federal rules supersede state rules,” would implement orders attempting to block Biden’s OSHA rule.

“Politics,” Psaki responded simply. “I think it’s pretty clear when you make a choice that’s against all public health information and data out there that it’s not based on what is in the interests of the people you are governing. It’s perhaps in the interests of your own politics.”

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You can watch Psaki’s entire briefing below.

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Originally appeared at Washington Examiner

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