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President Trump addressed a far-right QAnon conspiracy theory on Wednesday, saying “they like me very much,” and “is that supposed to be a bad thing?”
A reporter summed up a conspiracy theory to President Trump on Wednesday. The theory revolves around a false narrative that Trump is leading a secret charge against cannibals, pedophiles and satanic worshippers.
Trump responded, saying, “Is that supposed to be a bad thing? If I can help save the world from problems, I’m willing to do it.”
“I heard that these are people who love our country,” he added. Similarly, he said, “I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate.”
Trump’s comments are the first he’s offered in response to QAnon, who Twitter and Facebook have recently banned. However, Trump has often retweeted posts from QAnon-affiliated accounts.
Media Matters for America counted 20 candidates for Congress who appear on the November ballot who have either given credence to QAnon or identify as a believer.
One of those believers is Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is known for posting racist statements about Hispanics, Muslims and Black people online.
While many high-ranking Republicans have distanced themselves from her, Trump tweeted praise for her recent Congressional primary win.
Related: Twitter Bans QAnon Conspiracy Accounts, Trump’s Snafu
Following Trump’s comments about the QAnon conspiracy theory, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush condemned the remarks. He questioned why Trump supported the conspiracy theorists instead of rebuking them.
“Why in the world would the President not kick Q’anon supporters’ butts? Nut jobs, rascists [sic], haters have no place in either Party,” he tweeted.
However, when Trump commented on QAnon followers, he mischaracterized what the conspiracy theory focuses on.
“These are people that don’t like seeing what’s going on in places like Portland and places like Chicago and other cities and states,” said Trump.
“I’ve heard these are people who love our country and they just don’t like seeing it. I don’t know really anything about it other than they do supposedly like me. And they also would like to see problems in these areas…go away.”
However, the conspiracy theory suggests that Trump and his allies are working together to expose an underground cabal of global elites. When a reporter tried to explain the theory, Trump replied that he hadn’t “heard that.”
Related: Biden Will Destroy Border Wall if Elected
In other news, before you open bank accounts or similar, be warned that many small businesses are now facing bankruptcy as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
