Ted Cruz loses cool when asked about mask usage, says 'questions are only directed at one side'

Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, in an apparent moment of frustration, slammed a reporter for questioning him about not wearing a COVID-19 mask.

The incident occurred Tuesday when Cruz was discussing the Democrats' ongoing attempt to eliminate the legislative filibuster when a reporter asked him about the "glaring visual" of most of the members of the media wearing masks indoors and most of the assembled lawmakers choosing not to. 

"Just once, I'd like to see a reporter say to [President] Joe  Biden when he stands at a damn podium in the White House without a mask, 'Mr. President, why aren't you wearing a mask?'" said Cruz, banging his fist on the podium.

"Just once, I'd like to see you say to Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, when she stands at the podium with no mask, 'Ms. Psaki, why don't you have a mask?' The questions are only directed at one side, and I got to say that the American people see the hypocrisy." 

Cruz had previously mentioned the "wild hypocrisy" of the Biden administration's COVID-19 polices. 

"There's been wild hypocrisy from the Biden administration when it comes to COVID policies [on] mask mandates," he said "At some point, the American people ought to be able to exercise their own freedom and make their decision."

Since last April, Cruz has taken a public stance against wearing masks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. He has frequently been criticized by members of the media for refusing to wear a mask during briefings.