In footage released by PBS, Mr Biden can be seen sitting with the First Lady as they enjoy a performance from Italian opera sensation Andrea Bocelli, son Matteo and daughter Virginia as part of the White House's 'Spirit of the Season'. But the President is not wearing a mask, which provoked fury from one observer who accused him of playing by his own rules.

       Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, anchor Jason Chaffetz noted how the footage appeared hours after President Biden ordered Americans to wear masks indoors at all times.

       He slammed: "But here he is enjoying a lavish musical performance at the White House!

       "Not mask whatsoever!"

       He noted how the US Marine Corps band were still wearing masks despite the President and his wife chosing not to.

       JUST IN Andrea Bocelli, Matteo and Virginia ‘astonished and overwhelmed’ to perform at White House

       And in a dig at the pair, Mr Chaffetz claimed the rules were "not for Joe or Jill!"

       He alleged: "The rules do not apply to them or any of the celebrities they invited to the White House this Christmas to entertain them!

       “Everyone else must comply with local, state, federal restrictions no matter what.”

       In a speech on Tuesday, Mr Biden told America: "According to our doctors, even if you’re fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask when indoors in public settings."

       READ MORE Watch Andrea Bocelli, Virginia and Matteo sing for President Biden at The White House

       He also stressed that "wearing a mask provides extra protection for you and those around you".

       In a further comment, he told his citizens: "What can you do to make yourself and your family feel safer and be safer?

       "The answer is simple: Get your booster shot. Wear a mask!"

       The POTUS added: "If you are vaccinated and follow the precautions that we all know well, you should feel comfortable celebrating Christmas and the holidays as you planned it."

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       It comes as the USA reported a further 242,794 cases of COVID-19.

       810,000 Americans have died with COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

       An additional 2,055 deaths were reported on Wednesday.

       As of Tuesday, the Omicron variant is now dominant in the USA, making up over 73 percent of new COVID-19 cases.

       The White House have been approached for comment.