The politicalization of COVID-19 was also evident in the refusal to impose national lockdowns or mask mandates. States were left to make their own decisions, leading to a fragmented and inconsistent response across the country. This decentralized approach allowed the virus to spread more rapidly, particularly in states with less stringent measures. Meanwhile, leaders in states like Florida and Texas prioritized economic reopening, even when the virus was spreading uncontrollably. The consequences were dire, with rising infection rates and a lack of coordination between federal and state governments.