by Jack Phillips

Notably, former President Donald Trump released a video addressing "every COVID tyrant who wants to take away our freedom."

"Hear these words: We will not comply. So don't even think about it," he said. "We will not shut down our schools. We will not accept your lockdowns. We will not abide by your mask mandates and we will not tolerate your vaccine mandates."

"Amen, Mr. President. WE WILL NOT COMPLY!" wrote Arizona Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake on X, or Twitter. While the former president had no authority to issue lockdowns, officials under his administration came up with national guidelines in early 2020—when the virus first arrived on U.S. soil—in a bid to deal with COVID-19. Later in 2020, President Trump declared that he opposes lockdowns and mandates, saying that "lockdowns are killing countries all over the world" and called on "Democrat governors" to "open up" their states.

"Just a reminder. We will not comply. Ever again. Screw your face diapers!! #masks," wrote Fox News' Tomi Lahren days before on X.

Former "Saturday Night Live" actor Rob Schneider had a similar message as an Atlanta college confirmed it would reinstate masking. "Regarding your precautionary mask mandate… I have a precautionary Foot I’d like to shove up your [expletive]! But don’t worry, it’s just for the next 14 days! For your own protection! Ps. Students WAKE UP, SHEEPLE! SAY NO!" he wrote.

"We will not adhere to lockdowns. We will not submit to mandates," wrote Dr. Simone Gold, the head of anti-mandate America’s Frontline Doctors." "We will not wear masks. We will not close down schools. We will not comply to COVID tyranny."

Conservative journalist Kyle Becker added that people should "make it clear" to businesses that implement mask mandates that "they will not only lose your business but that of anyone you know Put the word out: We will not comply."

Reinstated Mandates

The anti-mandate messaging comes as some hospitals in several states have moved to reinstate mask mandates, although some have only made it mandatory for doctors, nurses, and staff. But some have forced the rule on patients and visitors, too.

This week, Samaritan Health Facilities announced that it would require masking for staff, patients, and visitors. A public relations official with the hospital, Leslie DiStefano, claimed it is being done because “we know is that [masking] absolutely works,” despite hundreds of studies showing otherwise.