With the November election fast approaching, President Donald Trump plans to appear at a rally Wednesday afternoon at the Des Moines International Airport, despite his recent hospitalization to treat COVID-19.
The rally is scheduled to be held just a week and a half after the White House’s own coronavirus task force warned state officials that transmission rates in Iowa were the sixth highest in the nation the previous week and had already caused “many preventable deaths.”
But Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, who for months has disregarded the advice of health experts and refused to grant local governments the legal authority to implement mask mandates, does not appear to be too concerned with the report.
In a tweet promoting the rally (which the governor’s office said will be held outdoors), Reynolds urged supporters, “Protect Iowa’s future, and show your support for President Trump!”
Over the weekend, Trump claimed that he was cleared by doctors and now “immune” from the virus. However, it’s not clear that either claim is actually true with what’s known about the virus, and with how little information the White House has released about his positive test result on October 2.
“By registering for this event, you understand and expressly acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present,” reads a disclaimer on the campaign webpage where you can request free tickets to attend Wednesday’s rally. In attending the event, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, and waive, release, and discharge Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; the host venue; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers from any and all liability under any theory, whether in negligence or otherwise, for any illness or injury.”
