White House hosts second Christmas party in two days despite Capitol doctor's warnings - as its revealed Mike Pompeo has invited 900 guests to an INDOOR holiday party at the State Department
The White House continued its month of holiday celebrations on Wednesday evening, hosting a second indoor Christmas party in just two days despite health officials' warnings against large gatherings.
President Trump and first lady Melania once again welcomed guests at the executive mansion in another of at least 25 holiday events they will host in December before they leave office.
Photos shared on social media showed guests dressed in ritzy evening gowns and formal attire with few to no masks or face coverings in sight.
In one photo, a group of 11 maskless attendees were seen huddling closely together as they posed for the camera.
Similar scenes had unfolded on Tuesday when the White House kicked off its holiday season with a reception, where dozens of guests were seen crowding together without masks.
Mask-free event: The White House hosted its second indoor Christmas party in just two days despite health officials' warnings against large gatherings
Wednesday night's event appeared to draw more prominent guests with country stars Kid Rock and Zac Brown among the attendees, according to social media photos
The party is another of at least 25 holiday events the Trumps will host in December before they leave office
One person invited to reception, which was mostly attended by members of the Republican National Committee, had told DailyMail.com that the invitation made no mention of face masks or any COVID-related precautions.
Wednesday night's event appeared to have the same lax rules, however the party drew a somewhat more prominent crowd with country stars Kid Rock and Zac Brown making an appearance.
Neither of the country singers, both of whom are supporters of the president, wore masks, according to photos.
The celebrations come on the same day that the U.S. recorded 2,733 daily deaths - the highest number since the start of the pandemic. Coronavirus cases have skyrocketed with more than 200,000 recorded in a 24-hour period, and hospitalizations have hit a record high of 100,226.
The dramatic surge has left the CDC urging people to scale back their holiday plans to avoid any superspreader events, and to avoid all holiday travel.
The White House nonetheless is pushing forward with its social calendar, with plans for a Hannukah party, a Congressional Ball and other festive events announced for later this month.
Secretary Mike Pompeo was also reported on Wednesday to be planning his own holiday festivities at the State Department with his wife Susan in the coming weeks.
Social media photos offered a glimpse inside the White House party, where Zac Brown and Kid Rock were in attendance. Neither singers wore masks
One person invited to a holiday reception told DailyMail.com that the invitation made no mention of face masks or any COVID-related precautions. Pictured: Maskless guests at the Wednesday's party
According to The Washington Post, Pompeo has already sent out invitations to up to 900 guests for an indoor party on December 15.
A copy of an invitation obtained by the Post shows the event, titled, 'Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays' will take place in the Benjamin Franklin Room at noon.
A spokesman said officials 'plan to fully enforce social distancing measures at this reception, and face coverings are mandatory for admittance.'
The rep, who spoke anonymously, said guests will also be served food and beverages individually and all staff will be required to wear gloves and masks.
However he did not specify how officials will enforce social distancing in a room with 900 guests, according to the Post.
The event will be followed by another reception for the Washington Diplomatic Corps the next day on December 16, with invitations sent to 180 ambassadors and their spouses.
Secretary Mike Pompeo will also host his own holiday festivities at the State Department with his wife Susan in the coming weeks. He is pictured above at the 2019 Holiday Reception in Honor of Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions
Pompeo (pictured in 2019) has reportedly sent out invitiations to 900 guests for the 'Diplomacy at Home for the Holidays' event that will take place in the Benjamin Franklin Room
A State Department spokesman told the Post the attendance will be optional and said the event will be 'broken into two separate receptions to minimize the number of guests in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at one time.'
The massive celebrations come despite Washington D.C.'s restriction on indoor gatherings which is limited to fewer than 10 people.
Earlier on Wednesday the attending physician in the U.S. Capitol warned lawmakers and staff not to attend holiday receptions 'outside of your family unit,' which would include the upcoming Congressional Ball at the White House.
In a 'dear colleague' letter to congressional staff, Dr Brian P. Monahan cited rising cases on Capitol Hill as the reason for the precaution.
'Due to experience in the Congress of increased disease frequency occurring in certain circumstances, I recommend that you DO NOT ATTEND dinners, receptions, or restaurant gatherings outside of your family unit,' he wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by DailyMail.com.
A memo from Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician in the U.S. Capitol, on Wednesday warned lawmakers and staff not to attend holiday receptions 'outside of your family unit,' which would include the upcoming Congressional Ball at the White House
An invitation to a holiday party at the White House makes no mention of face masks
The annual black tie Congressional Ball, which is on December 10, is one of the biggest parties the White House hosts during the holiday season.
Lawmakers and senior congressional staff put on their fancy dress to enjoy the appetizers, alcohol and decorations with administration officials. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump usually put in an appearance.
It's unclear how many will make the trek down from Capitol Hill this year.
Earlier White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany defended the administration's decision to go forward with the parties as COVID cases are on the rise.
'If you can loot businesses, burn down buildings, engage in a protest, you can also go to a Christmas party,' she said at her press briefing.
One person invited to a holiday reception told DailyMail.com that the invitation made no mention of face masks or any COVID-related precautions.
One White House invite, in cursive writing on a blue background with the presidential seal at the top, merely requested 'the pleasure of your company' at one of the many holiday events the White House is hosting, sometimes up to two a day over the next few weeks.
Invitations to at least 20 White House parties have already gone out, The New York Times reported.
