Trump Disagrees With Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s Decision to Reopen During COVID-19, Says It’s ‘Too Soon’

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

President Donald Trump speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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During a Wednesday White House press briefing, President Donald Trump stated that he “strongly disagrees” with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s recent decision to restart commerce in the state. He indicated that he believed it was “too soon” to make such a move. 

Trump indicated that he believed the Governor should have waited longer before restarting commerce in Georgia. “I told the Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities,” he said. “But at the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right. But I disagree with him on what he’s doing.”

The President added, “I think spas, beauty salons, and tattoo parlors and barbershops … It’s just too soon.” He continued, explaining that Georgia residents who wish to patronize these establishments “can wait a little bit longer. Safety has to predominate.” 

Previously, Trump had lauded Kemp’s decision, calling him “a capable man who knows what he’s doing.” 

Kemp’s announcement met with mixed opinions. Some of the state’s mayors criticized the decision, arguing that the move was premature. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) indicated that he agreed with the President’s take. “I have great respect for Gov. Kemp and believe that future re-openings can occur rather quickly but we must get Phase I right,” he said.

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Key members of the President’s coronavirus task force echoed Graham’s sentiments. Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that the Governor should “be careful” and that “there is a danger of a rebound.” 

Dr. Deborah Birx took a softer tone on the matter. “If there’s a way that people can social distance and do those things, then they can do those things. I don’t know how, but people are very creative,” she said. 

The President’s comments come after Kemp announced that he would allow businesses like nail salons, barbershops, massage parlors, gyms, and movie theaters to open on Friday. On Monday, Kemp made his intentions known on Twitter.

He tweeted:

“Due to favorable data & more testing, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools & massage therapists can reopen Friday, April 24 with Minimum Basic Operations.”

Kemp is also allowing churches to resume services this coming weekend and restaurants can also begin to reopen on Monday. Georgia is not the only state looking to resume business operations. According to Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas is set to restart commerce early in May. 

Of course, the progressive left and their mouthpieces in the corporate press are loudly decrying the Governor’s decision. This is likely because they believe that if Georgia reopens without any major issues, it could prompt other states to follow suit. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is already trying to persuade Americans to refuse to return to work. 

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In the next few days, we can expect to see the corporate media attempt to push a “Trump vs Kemp” narrative to make it seem as if the two leaders are at odds. It’s the same trick they pulled when Attorney General William Barr stated that he wished Trump would stop tweeting about ongoing cases. Their strategy will likely fail as most people are hip to their moves, but they will give it the old college try nonetheless.

This, of course, would endanger their efforts to ensure that Americans live under shutdown orders for as long as possible. Nevertheless, it appears the tide is turning against them and we can expect to see the United States moving back towards normalcy in the weeks to come. 

 

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Follow me on Twitter: @JeffOnTheRight

 

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