The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented restrictions on daily life, impacting basic rights and freedoms globally. Lockdowns, championed as necessary for public health, saw numerous leaders imposing strict measures. However, a disturbing trend emerged: many of these leaders were caught flouting their own rules. Here’s a look at ten prominent figures who preached one thing and practiced another.
Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal advocate for social distancing, implemented strict rules across the province. He didn’t hesitate to call protesters “yahoos” and even expelled party members who disagreed with his stringent measures. One of his mandates included a ban on indoor gatherings of more than five people.
On May 11, 2020, Ford admitted that he and his wife hosted a family get-together at their home that exceeded this limit. Six people, including his four daughters, were present. While he claimed social distancing was maintained and that his daughters’ partners weren’t there, the hypocrisy was evident. Despite this, Ford continued to scold others for similar actions, showing a clear “do as I say, not as I do” attitude.
Dominic Cummings
Dominic Cummings, a top advisor to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, engaged in what could be seen as a more justifiable breach. After his wife showed COVID-19 symptoms, he took a 420-kilometer road trip to drop off his children at his parents’ property.
British lockdown rules prohibited meeting with people outside one’s household, and mandated a 14-day isolation for any household with a symptomatic member. Cummings’s actions sparked outrage and calls for his resignation. While his intentions might have been to protect his children, his actions contradicted the very rules his government imposed, making it difficult for other parents in similar situations.
Alexander Van der Bellen
Austria was an early adopter of lockdown measures in Europe and later eased restrictions, allowing restaurants to reopen—but only until 11:00 PM. President Alexander Van der Bellen, while dining with his wife at an Italian restaurant in Vienna on May 23, 2020, stayed past the curfew.
Police had to remind them to leave. Van der Bellen apologized and took responsibility, even offering to pay any fine imposed on the restaurant owner. His prompt apology and acceptance of responsibility set a slightly different tone compared to others on this list, though the breach itself remained a misstep.
Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer enforced some of the strictest lockdowns in the United States. These measures, which banned activities like fishing and gardening, were met with considerable controversy. The controversy deepened when her husband, Marc Mallory, tried to get their boat ready for Memorial Day weekend, violating Whitmer’s own warnings against traveling to vacation areas.
Mallory reportedly asked the marina owner if being the governor’s husband could expedite the process. Initially, Whitmer’s office dismissed the story as misinformation, but eventually, Whitmer acknowledged the incident, stating her husband made a joke he regretted. This incident fueled accusations of hypocrisy against the governor.
David Clark
New Zealand’s strict approach to COVID-19 included mandatory internment of patients and severe stay-at-home orders. Health Minister David Clark, who helped create these guidelines, was caught breaking them. Clark was seen mountain biking and taking his family to the beach.
The public outrage that followed led to Clark’s resignation. His actions undermined the government’s message and highlighted the importance of leaders leading by example, especially during a public health crisis.
Andrew Scheer
Former Canadian Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer supported social distancing and mask protocols. However, he was photographed without a mask at Toronto Pearson International Airport, not appearing to social distance either.
The photo caused controversy, but as Scheer had already announced his resignation, the impact was limited. Nonetheless, it underscored a pattern of leaders failing to adhere to the guidelines they promoted.
Justin Trudeau
In April 2020, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau advised people to avoid seeing family during Easter. Yet, Trudeau himself traveled from Ottawa to his family’s vacation home in Harrington Lake, Quebec.
At the time, nonessential travel was restricted, and inter-provincial trips faced limitations. Trudeau defended his actions by saying the trip was for his children’s benefit and that he was an essential worker. This justification was widely criticized, adding to the list of leaders seemingly exempting themselves from the rules.
Patrick Brown
Patrick Brown, the mayor of Brampton, Canada, advocated for strict lockdown bylaws, including mandatory masks and heavy fines for non-compliance. He publicly urged residents to report violations. However, Brown was caught playing hockey at a public arena when hockey was expressly prohibited.
Journalists confronted him, and Brown claimed he was merely inspecting the arena. He later tweeted about being a victim of a fake news hoax. The city’s bylaws were then updated to allow hockey games. These actions led to calls for an ethics investigation, highlighting a significant breach of public trust.
Bill de Blasio
As mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio issued stay-at-home orders, mandated social distancing, and encouraged mask-wearing. Despite these measures, he prioritized painting a “Black Lives Matter” mural in front of Trump Tower. Dozens of people participated without practicing social distancing, violating city mural laws.
When the National September 11 Memorial & Museum canceled the Tribute in Light ceremony due to COVID-19 concerns, de Blasio faced criticism for not doing enough to save it. He was accused of prioritizing political messaging over public safety, further cementing his place on this list.
Various Leaders at John Lewis’s Funeral
The funeral of Congressman John Lewis saw numerous leaders breaking their own social distancing recommendations and Atlanta’s lockdown guidelines. Former US presidents, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and countless other officials attended.
While most wore masks, social distancing was not observed. Mourners were packed tightly together, contrasting sharply with the isolated final services many ordinary citizens had to endure. The event showcased how political elites could seemingly bypass their own rules, sparking criticism and outrage.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a troubling trend: leaders who imposed strict lockdown measures often failed to abide by them. These instances of hypocrisy eroded public trust and raised questions about the sincerity of the regulations. From Doug Ford’s family gatherings to the packed funeral of John Lewis, these examples serve as reminders of the importance of leading by example, especially in times of crisis.
What do you think about these leaders’ actions? Leave your comment below and share your thoughts!
