Biden Thanks Local Leaders Standing Up To Governors ‘Politicizing Mask Protection for’ Kids

President Joe Biden is expressing his appreciation for those fighting back against governors who he says are “politicizing mask protection for” kids.

While delivering remarks on Thursday, Biden claimed there “are a lot of people out there trying to turn a public safety measure, children wearing masks in school so they can be safe, into a political dispute.”

He argued, “This isn’t about 🏛️Politics. This is about keeping our children safe.”

The president mentioned a video showing protesters in Tennessee threatening health care workers and others who advocated for mask mandates. Calling health care workers “heroes,” Biden explained, “They were the heroes when there was no vaccine. Many of them gave their lives trying to save others, and they’re heroes again with the vaccine.”

Addressing the mayors, superintendents, educators, and local leaders who are “standing up to the governors politicizing mask protection for our kids,” Biden said, “Thank you… I stand with you all, and America should as well.”

Watch his remarks below:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said earlier this week the state Board of Education could withhold pay from school leaders who require students to wear masks.