But in some cases it is exactly the way he described it. If I were to paraphrase the situation in indiana and the trend as whole, it would be "authorties are telling you to wear a mask until the pandemic lets up, or go to jail."

At least four states have made it a misdemenor (e.g. can go to jail over it), and many more have been moving in that direction.

Using a relevant and recent social phenomena, and painting current events in broad strokes as part of explaining a personal view on why he chose to do the things he's been doing seems like an effective way to communicate an idea. I feel like you're getting lost in the minutia in an attempt to frame what he is saying in the least charitable way possible.