A federal judge in Florida has struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate for airports, transit hubs and passengers on public transportation. U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled from Florida on Monday that the CDC exceeded its legal authority in ordering the mask mandate. Judge Mizelle was nominated by Donald Trump and confirmed by Republican senators in 2020 to a lifetime appointment on the federal court, at the age of just 33, even though the American Bar Association gave her a rating of “not qualified.” Her ruling came as U.S. coronavirus cases continue to rise, particularly in northeastern states, with the official U.S. death toll from COVID-19 approaching 1 million. Later on Monday, the Biden administration said the Transportation Security Administration will no longer enforce the mask mandate at airports. This is White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

Press Secretary Jen Psaki: “The CDC recommended continuing the order for additional time, two weeks, to be able to assess the latest science in keeping with its responsibility to protect the American people. So this is obviously a disappointing decision. The CDC continues recommending wearing a mask in public transit.”

Psaki said the White House is reviewing the court ruling and that the Justice Department will decide whether to appeal.