President Trump’s televised townhall took place on Thursday night, marking 20 days to the general election. This comes after Trump backed out of the second debate, due to a proposed virtual format. 

 The overarching topic was COVID-19, which found its way into almost every point of questioning. President Trump stated that the pandemic will end soon, claiming, “(They) have done an amazing job, and it’s rounding the corner.” 

Additionally, he expressed skepticism regarding masks, referencing a study that “just the other day they came out with a statement that 85% of the people that wear masks catch the coronavirus.” 

The CDC has since stated that this assertion is not correct. 

 When pressed on death rates in the United States, Trump cited statistics, pointing out that America’s death rate is down 21%. He argued that the U.S. is doing comparatively well, as the United Kingdom is up by 1,500%. Additionally, Trump touted his decision to shut down immigration from China when the virus arose. 

 The topic of conspiracy theories was also a point of contention. 

When asked about QAnon, President Trump claimed to know “very little” about the organization, which is “the umbrella term for a sprawling set of internet conspiracy theories that allege, falsely, that the world is run by a cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles who are plotting against Mr. Trump while operating a global child sex-trafficking ring” The New York Times reported. 

Trump has retweeted a handful of QAnon tweets, including a conspiracy theory about the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden. When pressed, Trump dismissed the matter as just an opinion.

“I don’t get that. You’re the president,” Guthrie said. “You’re not like someone’s crazy uncle who can just retweet whatever.” 

 When asked about white supremacy, Trump said, “I’ve denounced white supremacy for years.” 

He then asked Guthrie, the moderator, why she wasn’t asking about ANTIFA, claiming, “They’re vicious, they’re violent, they kill people and they’re burning down our cities.”

 Guthrie asked about a peaceful transfer of power, causing Trump to express concern over unsolicited ballots and voter fraud. He accused the Obama administration of spying on his campaign and said, “They tried to take down a duly elected, sitting president.”

Nevertheless, he said that he will “absolutely” accept a peaceful transfer. 

 Trump spoke on the economy as well. He touted 11.4 million jobs, a great third quarter and a red wave. 

“GDP is going through the roof,” he said and argued that his administration spawned the “greatest economy in the history of our country” before the pandemic. 

 When the topic of the Supreme Court came up, Trump noted that he “had great respect for Justice Ginsburg” and wanted to fulfill his duty of filling the seat. He said that “there is plenty of time” and opinion on Amy Coney Barrett is almost unanimously favorable.

 Trump has since attacked host Savannah Guthrie, implying that she was “going totally crazy” during the townhall.