Trump calls cheers for defending public at club as ‘peaceful protest’

An audience of supporters at President TrumpDonald John TrumpJoe Arpaio loses bid for his old position as Sheriff Trump blames opinion that Russia denigrates Biden: ‘No one is harder on Russia than I am’ Trump truncates executive orders over economy but will not yet reportThe news conference in Bedminster, NJ, erupted Friday when a reporter pointed out that the number of guests gathered appeared to violate the state’s coronavirus restrictions.

“You said the pandemic was going to go away, but we lost 6,000 Americans this week and just in this room you have dozens of people who do not follow the guidelines in New Jersey,” a reporter said as he asked Trump a question, which widespread angry demand from the masses.

“You got it wrong because it’s a political activity,” Trump claimed. “And it’s also a peaceful protest. To me, they all look like they almost all have masks on.”

Trump’s remark drew cheers from supporters. He went on to argue that the public was protesting the news media.

“You have an exclusion in the law, it says peaceful protest,” Trump continued. “I would call it peaceful protest because they know you’re coming up and they know the news is false.”

Trump’s paying customers pay as a reporter indicates that many of them are not wearing masks, in violation of New Jersey law. Trump defends herself by describing them as “peaceful Protestants” in the media, and then ends the news conference with a round of applause. pic.twitter.com/5DVow55B1G

– Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 8, 2020

The exchange took place at Trump’s Bedminster Golf Club, where he gave a news conference on the coronavirus pandemic as well as his proposed executive mandates on coverage for economic relief and health care.

Guests of the golf club were seen attending the press conference attending the club. Begin photos appeared to show a lack of social distance and wear mask. Later photos showed guests wearing masks that were handed out by officials.

New Jersey coronavirus restrictions require golf courses to limit the number of patrons in an interior of the property to 25 percent capacity or no more than 25 people, while also requiring all workers and customers to wear face cover.