Controversy after White House uses sign language interpreter who worked on pro-Trump videos

Heather Mewshaw — sign language interpreter

Credit: Video grab

Joe Biden’s first use of a sign language interpreter at the White House sparked controversy following reports that the person chosen was a supporter of Donald Trump.

Heather Mewshaw, 41, was the fist interpreter used by the new administration when she appeared at a coronavirus briefing alongside White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

Ms Psaki introduced the American Sign Language interpreter at the briefing on Monday.

She said: "Today’s interpreter, Heather, is joining us virtually. The president is committed to building an America that is more inclusive, more just and more accessible for every America, including Americans with disabilities and their families."

Time magazine, and members of the deaf community, then identified Ms Mewshaw and linked her to a right-wing interpreters group.

It was reported that she wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat in an Inauguration Day video on Facebook. She had previously interpreted for a video about the US Capitol riots featuring Rudy Giuliani, Mr Trump’s lawyer, with the title "What Really Happened On January 6th?"

Days before appearing for the White House she signed for a video by a pro-Trump figure who said: "Joe Biden, you will never be my president."

Mewshaw wearing a 'Make America Great Again' cap

Some in the deaf community suggested the choice of Ms Mewshaw would be like Mr Biden selecting Kayleigh McEnany, Mr Trump’s former press secretary, as his spokeswoman.

Nyle DiMarco, a deaf actor, told the Washington Post: "Imagine what harm she could cause literally holding the message in her hands."

Several thousand people have signed a petition calling for the interpreter not to be used by Mr Biden’s White House.

The National Association of the Deaf said: “It is important to note that federal law defines a qualified interpreter as one that is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially.

"Consequently, the White House needs to ensure that it properly vets the interpreters that handle their press briefings."

Different interpreters appeared at White House briefings in the following days, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment.

Ms Mewshaw did not respond to requests for comment from US media.

In September a judge ruled that Mr Trump’s White House must provide sign language interpreters at coronavirus  briefings.

That came after the National Association of the Deaf sued the White House over the issue.

The court ruled: "Closed captioning and transcripts may constitute a reasonable accommodation under some circumstances, but not here."

An estimated 11.5 million people in the US have some degree of hearing loss, according to the US Census Bureau.