Trump I Appreciate Support From QAnon Adherents

The baseless theory, which has grown in popularity among Trump’s base, claims there is a deep-state cabal of Satanist pedophiles in the American government that Trump is working to defeat with the help of an anonymous figure within the government.

Trump portrayed the group as comprising patriotic Americans concerned about the breakdown of law and order in cities around the country.

“I have heard that it is gaining in popularity, and from what I hear, these are people that when they watch the streets of Portland, when they watch what happened in New York City,” Trump said, “these are people that don’t like seeing what’s going on.”

“I’ve heard these are people that love our country and they just don’t like seeing it,” he argued. “So 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, like especially the areas that we’re talking about, go away.”

When a reporter outlined the group’s beliefs, explaining to the president that QAnon supporters believe Trump is “secretly saving the world from this satanic cult of pedophiles and cannibals,” Trump shrugged at the notion.

“I haven’t heard that,” he replied. “But is that supposed to be a bad thing or good thing? If I can help save the world from problems, I’m willing to do it. I’m willing to put myself out there.”

Trump added: “And we are, actually. We’re saving the world from a radical-left philosophy that will destroy this country, and when this country is gone, the rest of the world would follow. The rest of the world would follow. That’s the importance of this country.”

Earlier Wednesday,Facebook announced that it was stepping up efforts to punish accounts linked to groups like QAnon. The social media network has removed hundreds of pages linked to the group and taken action against around 10,000 accounts on Instagram.

The group has seen its popularity increase throughout the pandemic, and several open QAnon supporters havewon Republican congressional primaries this year, including one House candidate in Georgia who is likely headed to Congress. Following that primary victory, Trump lauded the candidate in a tweet, calling her a future star in the Republican Party.