If he now, as a public figure, disappeared, it would be headline news and people might assume the U.S. government eliminated him, potentially making it look mor

If he now, as a public figure, disappeared, it would be headline news and people might assume the U.S. government eliminated him, potentially making it look more sinister, validating his claims and turning him into a martyr. So exposure provides some security. Nonetheless, he stays hidden because better safe than dead. But yeah, he also comes off like a grandiose megalomaniac.