During a press briefing on Wednesday, August 19, President Trump offered his support for QAnon conspiracy theorists, a group the FBI has classified as a "domestic terrorism threat."
Asked about the alt-right conspiracy theory, which claims without any evidence that President Trump has been sent to Washington to fight a secret Democratic cabal of pedophiles and cannibals, Trump responded:
"I don't know much about the movement, other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate."
"... I have heard that it is gaining in popularity … I've heard these are people that love our country."
Trump is asked to shed light on his thoughts about about the lunatic QAnon conspiracy theory. Instead of denouncing it, he says, "I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate."
"I've heard these are people who love our country," he adds, coming close to an endorsement pic.twitter.com/gcvHvuqzIa
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2020
QAnon conspiracy theorists have been responsible for "armed standoffs, kidnappings, and murder" since Trump took office, but none of that seems to have blipped on Trump's radar.
All that matters is that they like him.
Even when a reporter informed Trump that the conspiracy theorists believe he is "secretly saving the world" from a "Satanic cult of pedophiles and cannibals," Trump seemed unfazed.
"I haven't heard that, but is that supposed to be a bad thing or a good thing? If I can help save the world from problems, I'm willing to do it."
Many online noted that Trump's language came dangerously close to support of the dangerous group.
Online, the President was immediately condemned for his remarks, which he made just before former President Obama claimed at the DNC that Trump was fundamentally unfit for his office.
As always, President Trump cares more about how popular he is than what is good for America.
The President should be denouncing dangerous conspiracy theories like QAnon, not excitedly accepting their praise. President Trump seems fundamentally unable to understand this.
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