On October 10, 2020, just 10 days after announcing that he was infected by COVID-19, Donald Trump was on the balcony of the White House spewing his divisive rhetoric to a crowd of several hundred gathered n the south lawn who were not socially distanced. They were shoulder to shoulder but thankfully many wore masks. They should have each been given umbrellas as well.
White house officials and doctors have not yet said when the president last tested negative for the virus or if he has been tested two days in a row to clear him as non-contagious. Doctors seem to be making announcements with little supporting information that will get Trump back into crowds.
Trump may have been spreading the virus all across the country. 11 Staff tested positive after the Amy Barret south lawn super spreader event on September 26, 2020. Seven of his staff were infected at the Presidential Debate Prep on September 27, 2020. Five of his staff that attended the presidential Debate on September 29, 202 tested positive. Four of his staff that attended a Minnesota rally on September 30, 2020 tested positive. Hundreds of people at those events have not tested for the virus, so, the collateral damage may never be known.
The divisive law and order themed balcony speech made it clear that the president is using the White House a a backdrop for a political rally. Trump did not mention of the growing power of right-wing hate and anti-government extremist groups, including those who were charged this week in an alleged plot to kidnap Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The largely black and Latino crowd with MAGA Caps and blue tee shirts was known as BLEXIT which was founded by conservative Candace Owens to encourage African Americans to leave the Democratic Party. The irony is that Black and Latino Americans have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 virus. Blacks and Hispanics have up to 2.8 times more COVID-19 cases compared to whites, and they die at a rate of up to 2.1 times more often that whites.
Some of the attendees had their travel and lodging paid for by controversial conservative activist Candace Owens’ group BLEXIT, according to emails obtained by ABC News. Attendees were told they must bring a mask but wearing the mask was not be required. Attendees had to submit to a COVID-19 screening the morning of the event, which consisted of a temperature check and a brief questionnaire. All attendees were also told they must wear the bright blue BREXIT tee shirt and there were no exceptions, though some guys and gals in suits couldn’t bring themselves to stretch the tees over their attire.