Under the Trump administration, the response to the pandemic became a political battle. Key public health measures, such as mask mandates, social distancing, and lockdowns, were debated as political issues rather than being seen as crucial steps to prevent the spread of the virus. For instance, wearing masks, a simple and effective way to reduce transmission, became a political statement. Politicians, particularly those aligned with Trump, downplayed the significance of masks, arguing that they were unnecessary or even a violation of personal freedom. This stance was based on political ideology rather than scientific consensus.