Editor's note: Stephen Ndegwa is a Nairobi-based communication expert, lecturer-scholar at the United States International University-Africa, author and international affairs columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Who would have thought that a mundane action like someone wearing a face mask would hit headline news during a viral pandemic? Well, it happened on Saturday after U.S. President Donald Trump, for the first time, wore a mask. Likewise on social media, Trump's action has trended throughout the weekend, with pictures of the president in a mask splashed on all platforms.

The "controversial" incident happened when Trump visited wounded soldiers and healthcare workers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, on the outskirts of Washington. Word was already out in some of the U.S. media that he would wear a mask, which means that White House was in the know about the president's intentions.

But opinion experts and Americans alike are wondering whether Trump's apparent change of mind is really like the Biblical narrative of Paul the persecutor's conversion to Saul the bearer of the good news. It would be a fat chance that he has finally seen the light. Going by comments across the board, it seems he has managed to fool only a few people, as many wait for a twist in the tale.

Trump did finally live up to his oft repeated view that he has nothing personal against masks. When leaving the White House for the trip, the president reiterated that, "I've never been against masks, but I do believe they have a time and a place."

He even had specific reasons that day, like "when you're in a hospital… talking to a lot of soldiers and people that in some cases just got off the operating tables." This sounds a purely selfish reason, as he generally fears getting infected in a hospital environment.

A visit to the website of the Walter Reed medical center holds further answers to the reason why Trump decided to wear a mask for the first time. The hospital has published strict guidelines of those who make visits to the facility, particularly for prevention of COVID-19.

CNN analyst Maeve Reston captured the mood of Trump's decision on Sunday: "Given his intransigence for so many months, it was a small but significant gesture at a time when coronavirus cases are surging in the U.S., and the President has failed to grasp the depth of the crisis or offer any coherent strategy to control the spread of the virus."

Observers still find the type of mask Trump wore unconvincing. Although aesthetically appealing, the cloth and sponge material has been graded very low as a guard against the coronavirus. Which is a mockery of sorts – if you just want to see me in a face mask, here is your photo op!

On the first day he wore a mask, the U.S. was experiencing an unprecedented surge of coronavirus cases. This could be another reason he put on a mask - to placate those that find his months-long lackadaisical approach towards combating coronavirus as a major factor behind the worsening crisis. 

Since the pandemic became global news early in the year, he has managed to, either wittingly or unwittingly, set the news agenda, not just in America, but the world over. He has gone against almost every other recommendation and measure, even in the face of glaring scientific and medical evidence. And he is still standing.

Not that many people are convinced, or would wager a bet that from now on, Trump will make it a habit, like the rest of us, to wear a mask in public spaces. But he has achieved to bring down the anti-Trump rhetoric a notch lower by disarming his opponents.

Perhaps the world does not understand Trump's psyche, and are quick to condemn his every move without seeking an understanding of his motivation. By refusing to wear a mask and mocking those who do, he managed to mock the world's attitude and fear towards COVID-19. Then, when he feels tired for defying popular opinion, he decides to give us a break!

In any case, will Trump's action now see the flattening of the curve, both in numbers and attitude, as more Americans now follow his example? This is still a matter of conjecture, and only time will tell how this translates into behavior change for those who followed what Trump was doing.

For Trump, it is not a big deal. It is part of his show stealing stunts, which he has really used to great effect during his presidency. With the single act of mask wearing, the world has exhaled, putting Trump back again in the race for the November elections. So, what next? Will Trump keep social distance or work from home?

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