The travel industry lobbied hard for the White House and CDC to continue requiring masks in airports and on planes, arguing that it was still necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, despite vaccination efforts and lifting of mask mandates in other aspects of life.
If the recent court ruling that limits the CDC's authority to issue mask mandates is upheld by the Supreme Court, it could have significant implications for the agency's power in the future. This could be likely, given the number of conservative judges and appointed justices.
The Democratic Party is losing voters to the Republican Party, as a growing number of working class individuals, including minorities, are turning towards the GOP. The last election saw an 18 point increase in non-white working class voters supporting the Republican Party.
Legal experts say that the recent ruling stripping the CDC of its authority to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols on cruises raises concerns about the agency's long-term ability to protect Americans during a public health crisis.
There may be economic repercussions and discrimination against unvaccinated individuals who continue to allow the COVID-19 pandemic to worsen. Politicians may also slow down the economy again, with "politically correct" companies taking action first, such as a petition from Apple employees who are vaccinated and directly impacted by unvaccinated coworkers.
The politicization of President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis could have serious consequences, with potential backlash if he rapidly recovers or serious damages to his campaign if the virus takes a toll on his health.