After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told students Wednesday to take off their masks at a visit to the University of South Florida, Twitter users followed up by slamming the Republican for his comments.

DeSantis appeared visibly annoyed when he told high school students standing behind him, “You do not have to wear those masks. I mean, please take them off. Honestly, it’s not doing anything, and we’ve gotta stop with this COVID theater. So if you want to wear it, fine. But this is ridiculous.”

In the video, some of the students can be seen quickly taking off their masks while others chose to keep them on.

The video continued to circulate online. By Thursday, DeSantis’ name became a trending topic on Twitter, with many criticizing him over scolding the students for wearing masks during a pandemic. While Florida has seen a decline in COVID cases, the state still has a daily average of 2,302 cases.

“All DeSantis did is prove that republicans aren’t about personal choice. The kids chose to put masks on, he chose to mock them with his hissy fit,” one user posted.

Another user applauded the kids who chose to keep their masks on despite DeSantis’ comments. “We’ve moved into masking being a choice. Ron DeSantis took those kids choices away. Luckily, a couple stood by their choice to remain masked,” the tweet reads.

Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis addressed the incident in a statement to People.

“As always, our students should be valued and celebrated. It is a student and parents' choice to protect their health in a way they feel most appropriate. We are proud of the manner in which our students represented themselves and our school district,” Davis said.

Amid the backlash on Thursday, DeSantis tweeted out a video from his campaign account of the viral moment. “The political science show cannot go on. It’s curtain call for COVID theater,” he tweeted.

DeSantis also sent out a campaign email the same day asking for $15 donations.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a staunch Republican, signed a law banning transgender women and girls from competing in girls and women's sports at public schools
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new bill that will fine businesses and hospitals that require COVID-19 vaccination from employees. AFP / MANDEL NGAN
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