Donald Trump mocks Joe Biden for wearing a face mask: ‘What was the plastic surgery for?’

Kit Heren23 September 2020

Donald Trump mocked Joe Biden for wearing face masks and claimed the Democratic candidate has had plastic surgery, a week before their first US presidential debate.

"What the hell did he spend all that money on the plastic surgery if he’s going to cover it up?" the president told supporters at a campaign rally in Pittsburgh in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday.

The first debate takes place next Tuesday, September 29, in Cleveland, Ohio. Questions will be asked by Fox News anchor Chris Wallace.

Mr Trump asked the crowd – many of whom appeared to be wearing masks themselves – if Mr Biden would be wearing a mask on stage.

Joe Biden 
Getty Images

When this was met with a roar, the president said: "It makes Joe feel good. Whatever makes you feel good.”

He added: “I think he’ll come in with a mask. The question is: Will he leave it on during the debate?"

Both candidates have been seen wearing masks, although the Democrat Mr Biden appears to wear one more often.

Mr Trump calls the former vice-president "Sleepy Joe" and his campaign routinely questions the 77-year-old's mental fitness for office.

Supporters greet Donald Trump's plane Air Force One 
Getty Images

But Mr Biden has also cast doubt on 74-year-old Mr Trump's health, telling CNN: "Thank God I am in good health."

“Just look at us," he added. "Who seems to be in shape? Who seems to be able to move around.”

Mr Trump played down the risk from coronavirus on Monday claiming that it affects “virtually nobody” under the age of 18. More than 200,000 people have died with the virus in the US, out of about 970,000 worldwide.

The election takes place on November 3.