Today, Cindy Axne faced backlash for tweeting a photo of her meeting with the University of Iowa’s Student Government Association where she appeared maskless and the students were in masks.
She is totally comfortable masking the students while she breaths normally. https://t.co/RunmSEVqt7
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) April 5, 2022
While it is unclear if Axne or her staff forced these students to wear masks, these students did not appear in masks when they visited other members of Iowa’s Congressional delegation.
It was a pleasure to meet with @uiowa Student Government today. We discussed mental health, rising college costs, SNAP benefits, and our shared excitement to get back in Kinnick this fall.
It’s an honor to represent these students and their classmates in Congress. Go #Hawkeyes! pic.twitter.com/JnlKnwBmj5
— Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (@RepMMM) April 5, 2022
Had a great time meeting with @uiowa Student Government today! We talked about student mental health, the cost of school & the positive difference their education has made in their lives. I was so impressed by their leadership—I have no doubt they’ll be running things one day! pic.twitter.com/1fqKE0wbjI
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) April 5, 2022
Met w U of Iowa student govt leaders about student debt + mental health etc pic.twitter.com/XN5xwymSIi
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) April 4, 2022
Shortly after, Axne tweeted photos of her at a packed reception with President Obama, President Biden, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi where nobody was wearing masks.
“Cindy Axne’s mask hypocrisy is nothing new and Iowans have been over it for months,” said Republican Party of Iowa Communications Director Kollin Crompton. “Axne will continue to use the pandemic to avoid accountability for her radical agenda.”
In a press release, the Republican Party of Iowa pointed out the uncanny comparison to a photo of Stacy Abrams also in a full classroom of masked children.