Title: Fact Check: Can the President enact a nationwide mask mandate? - CNNPolitics
Headings: Fact Check: Can the President enact a nationwide mask mandate?
Fact Check: Can the President enact a nationwide mask mandate?
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Content: Among the measures referenced in the 30-second ad are masks. Biden says, "It's a simple measure, everyone needs to wear a mask in public," while the words "Nationwide mask mandates" appear on the screen, implying that if elected, Biden would aim to mandate mask wearing across the nation. That raises a perennial question of this campaign season -- Can the President mandate that people around the country wear masks? Facts First: There appears to be no legal authority that would allow a US president to enact a nationwide mask mandate. There are exceptions where the executive's authority could allow for such a mandate, such as on federal property, though a nationwide rule would almost certainly be challenged in court. facts first logo
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CNN holds elected officials and candidates accountable by pointing out what's true and what's not. Here's a look at our recent fact checks. Despite the impression left by the graphic in the ad that says 'nationwide mask mandates,' Biden's past comments on the subject suggest he'd take a narrower approach than attempting a nationwide mask mandate. Read More
When asked to clarify what his plan for a mask mandate would entail, the campaign pointed to Biden's remarks on October 23 where he said, "First, I'll go to every governor and urge them to mandate mask-wearing in their states.