President Trump is a public figure whose global visibility is positively unmatched by anyone. This is because he is POTUS but also particularly because he stakes outrageously false claims that draw in the media at every turn. He sows doubt regarding the credibility of scientists in his own administration in agencies like CDC, NOAA, EPA and more.

But of particular relevance to this subject is his opposition to (1) wearing masks as a role model, (2) mandating masks as a nation's leader. His general suggestions to the public that the virus is not a threat give voice to those who would claim that "it's all a hoax."