Trump supporters say masks are harmful, would wear if Trump said so

Some Trump supporters believe it's the masks that sicken people rather than COVID-19

Oct 13, 2020

Some of the most ardent and faithful of President Donald Trump supporters believe that masks are “harmful” but would set aside that view and wear one if he said so.

Trump returned to the campaign trail on Monday more than two weeks after he was diagnosed with COVID-19. He drew a large gathering at Orlando Sanford International airport after disembarking from Air Force One. The overwhelming number of those who greeted the president were not wearing masks.

President Trump Holds First Campaign Rally Since Coronavirus Diagnosis — People listen as President Donald Trump speaks during his campaign event at the Orlando Sanford International Airport on October 12, 2020 in Sanford, Florida. Trump was holding his first campaign rally since his coronavirus diagnosis as he continues to campaign against Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

CNN‘s Gary Tuchman spoke to some of them about their decision not to wear protective face coverings.

“No, I’m healthy. I have no underlying health issues and that seems to be the people who are most prone to getting the disease,” a woman attending the really said.

Others offered the theory that wearing masks actually posed a greater risk than the easily transmittable disease.

“A mask can actually do more harm to individuals,” a man claimed. “They can faint because there’s too much carbon dioxide going back into their system.”

He added that many people were becoming sick.

“Enough people are getting ill from it,” the man continued and cited “common sense.”

Tuchman asked another woman what would happen if she were to contract the coronavirus.

“I don’t care if I do because I know I’m not going to die from it,” the woman maintained but then added, “if I do, I do.”

Another Trump supporter believed that a higher power would guide her fate and health.

“I believe in God and if I get the virus, then that was God’s will,” the woman said.

But one voter told Tuchman that she’d wear a mask if the request came from Trump.

“I would put it on,” woman replied.

Trump did not wear a mask himself as he addressed the adoring crowd and spoke of how “powerful” he felt.

“They say I’m immune. I feel so powerful,” Trump said to the crowd in Orlando. “I’ll walk into that audience, I’ll walk in there, kiss everyone in that audience. I’ll kiss the guys and the beautiful women.”

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