diff --git a/_distutils_hack/__init__.py b/_distutils_hack/__init__.py
index c0170d0908..4745f8b9da 100644
--- a/_distutils_hack/__init__.py
+++ b/_distutils_hack/__init__.py
@@ -116,6 +116,8 @@ def spec_for_pip(self):
         """
         if self.pip_imported_during_build():
             return
+        if self.is_get_pip():
+            return
         clear_distutils()
         self.spec_for_distutils = lambda: None
 
@@ -130,6 +132,14 @@ def pip_imported_during_build(cls):
             for frame, line in traceback.walk_stack(None)
         )
 
+    @classmethod
+    def is_get_pip(cls):
+        """
+        Detect if get-pip is being invoked. Ref #2993.
+        """
+        import __main__
+        return os.path.basename(__main__.__file__) == 'get-pip.py'
+
     @staticmethod
     def frame_file_is_setup(frame):
         """
diff --git a/changelog.d/2993.change.rst b/changelog.d/2993.change.rst
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..cd528d57f9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/2993.change.rst
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+In _distutils_hack, bypass the distutils exception for pip when get-pip is being invoked, because it imports setuptools.