President Trump has publically criticized the decision by the Governor of Georgia Brian Kemp to reopen his state’s economy.
President Trump was backed by powerful Georgia Representative Doug Collins who is running for Senate in the state.
According to Fox News:
In a head-turning moment at Wednesday’s coronavirus briefing, President Trump told reporters that he “disagrees strongly” with Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to reopen some businesses in his state, including gyms, barbershops and nail salons, on Friday.
The president reiterated that his administration has established benchmarks that states should clear before they begin the reopening process. The rules recommend 14 days of declining new infections, as well as 14 days of decling covid-like syndromic cases and influenza-like illnesses, before moving to the reopening phase Kemp has called for.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the Phase I guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia,” Trump said.
“At the same time, he must do what he thinks is right,” Trump continued. “But I disagree with him on what he’s doing.”
President Trump was supported by Representative Doug Collins, per The Hill:
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) on Thursday echoed President Trump’s criticism of his state’s governor, saying the plan to reopen Georgia’s economy starting this week was not communicated well and failed to take into account input from local businesses.
“The president wants the country open. I want the country open. The governor wants the country open. The problem is how do you do it? And I think that’s the problem with leadership,” Collins said on “Fox & Friends.”
“Leadership is about communicating, and when you are not communicating clearly — look, the governor did not take away the stay-at-home order, but yet selectively decided certain businesses are going to open up,” he said.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who like Collins is a Republican, at a press conference this week said his state would begin allowing businesses to open under social distancing guidelines.
President Trump has stated that he has spoken to the Governor and White House health officials will advise him to reverse course.
Let us know what you think of the Governor’s decision in the comments below!
