After following President Donald Trump's lead and dismissing the virus that's killed over 150 thousand Americans, Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX) tested positive for the virus before a scheduled trip with Trump on Air Force One.
Gohmert previously called fear of the virus "wishy washy" and, according to an aide of his, refused to allow members of his staff to work remotely, even interns. The aide also told Politico that they were berated for wearing masks.
The congressman's stance on the virus hasn't changed even in the midst of his positive diagnosis. Gohmert even mused that it was wearing a mask that gave him the virus in the first place, saying he likely adjusted the mask and "sucked in" some of the virus that transferred from his hand to the mask.
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) attempted to walk back the humiliation of yet another Republican who dismissed the virus contracting it, but he ended up having what some may call a Freudian slip.
Watch below.
Kevin McCarthy accidentally calls Louie Gohmert "Congressman COVID" pic.twitter.com/UcQcvHtEU9
— The Recount (@therecount) July 29, 2020
McCarthy said:
"Just as Congressman Covid, uh, Congressman Louie Gohmert says that he doesn't have any symptoms. There could be other people like that."
It was little more than a slip of the tongue, which King immediately corrected.
But considering criticisms that Gohmert and the rest of the GOP have repeatedly downplayed the virus and the need for subsequent safety measures, people felt the accidental nickname was perfect.
Someone please photoshop Louie Gohmert's face onto the Covid ball...
— TrumpsTaxes (@TrumpsTaxes) July 29, 2020
I have not heard anything this true and accurate from McCarthy since he said trump is paid by Putin.
— PCR RitesGood (@pcrritesgood) July 29, 2020
McCarthy is at his best, unfiltered. “Congressman COVID" is another one for the books. pic.twitter.com/j3orEwrtWZ
— Tony Frontier (@tonyfrontier) July 29, 2020
Good one! Congressman Covid! Fits him to a tee
— Pro Consul (@LA_ROQ255) July 29, 2020
That's his name from now on.
— Chris Kallas (@chriskallas654) July 29, 2020
As often happens on the internet, a hashtag was born.
His leader just called Gohmert #CongressmanCOVID pic.twitter.com/eaKFlUpyzh
— Christine Pelosi (@sfpelosi) July 29, 2020
LMAO
#CongressmanCOVID please let this trend! 🤣😂😭 https://t.co/hmwJSEFsFE
— JerriLynn (@Jerri_Lynn25) July 29, 2020
And henceforth, Gohmert shall be known as #CongressmanCovid!
So sayeth we all!
— MaskyFoon (@mickeyfoon) July 29, 2020
Thank you @GOPLeader you finally made our day. #CongressmanCOVID https://t.co/7a1vrl0WMc
— BelowAvgJoe (@BelowAvgJoeshow) July 29, 2020
Gohmert intends to quarantine for ten days yet gathered his staff to tell them in person that he'd been diagnosed with the virus.
AMC
