This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
Published on June 21, 2020, a rally in support of President Trump in Oklahoma drew a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, many of whom seemed to be undeterred by concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shelly Braden, a 48-year-old schoolteacher from Lamont, Oklahoma, expressed her support for the President, citing his pro-life stance and job creation efforts. She also downplayed the risks of contracting the virus, stating that she believed the chances were 'low.'
However, the rally was not without controversy. The President's administration had faced criticism for its handling of peaceful protests, including the use of aggressive police tactics to clear the area for a photo opportunity with a Bible.
State Representative James White, a Republican from Texas, defended the President's handling of the rally, stating that any event organized by the President would adhere to safety protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite the presence of masks and temperature checks, attendees seemed to be largely unconcerned about maintaining social distancing. People were seen jammed up next to each other in line, with some even coughing in close proximity to others.
