Refuses to disavow QAnon conspiracy theory, praises followers

When asked about the dangerous QAnon conspiracy theory, which labels Democrats as Satan-worshipping pedophiles, Trump refused to disavow it. Instead, he praised its followers, saying "I've heard these are people that love our country" and "they like me very much, which I appreciate." He claimed ignorance of the specific violent tenets but offered encouragement, legitimizing a movement the FBI had labeled a domestic terror threat.

"I've heard these are people that love our country... I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate." — White House press conference, August 19, 2020