They are worried about the image of Americans wearing masks on TV. When that congressman in Trump’s plane found out he had been exposed mid-flight, they didn’t put a mask on him (at least not when he exited the plane). So even in a national security critical situation (president is in 70s), image is way more important.
Yes - I've heard that. The whole don't want to worry people by wearing masks. If you aren't wearing a mask a sneeze near me I'm more worried not less.
I don't know where the don't wear masks they aren't helpful push came from. I think perhaps a misguided attempt to deal with a resource constraint (ie, lie to them about mask benefit so they won't wear them and worry others and won't use them?)
It's totally unique to the US however. Asia is going the other way.
