The final question at President Trump’s news conference at his Bedminster, NJ club was on why members of the club were not wearing masks at the start of the event. . .
His answer?
They were engaged in a “peaceful protest”:
Trump says the guests at his club don’t have to wear masks because attending his news conference is "political activity” or “peaceful protest” of the media.
— Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 8, 2020
And let’s just say journos aren’t taking it well:
Country club members booed because a reporter asked Pres Trump why they were not wearing masks as they watched Trump's press conference.
Trump said the club members were engaged in a "peaceful protest." Crowd cheered.
Note: More than 160K Americans have died from COVID.
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) August 8, 2020
CNN’s Manu Raju doesn’t seem to understand that he was trolling the press:
Trump says members of his NJ club who are gathered maskless are complying with law bc it’s a “political activity” and “peaceful protest.” It’s unclear what they are protesting. Trump in recent days has said that wearing a mask is patriotic, but seems to be endorsing no masks now
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) August 8, 2020
This one really did leave a mark:
Wow. A reporter points out many club members in the room aren't wearing mask, violating guidelines.
The crowd boos the reporter.
"Because it's a political activity they have exceptions" and it's "also a peaceful protest," Trump said.
The crowd, full of wealthy members, cheers.
— Kathryn Watson (@kathrynw5) August 8, 2020
And, of course, there’s a “Dear Diary” moment:
Trump turned his Bedminster news conference into a rally, bashing the press and drawing applause from his golf club members. Those members were booing the press towards the end of the news conference.
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 8, 2020
Watch:
A reporter tries to say President Trump is violating New Jersey’s Coronavirus guidelines.
Trump: It’s a peaceful protest.
MASTER TROLL pic.twitter.com/8c7NfyuLFP
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) August 8, 2020
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