Fox’s Sean Hannity and President Donald Trump are criticizing Democratic governors for their requests amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump conducted a phone interview with Hannity on Thursday evening where he discussed the coronavirus, his administration’s response, and their level of communication with governors.
Hannity asked Trump about his hesitation to enforce the Defense Production Act which would open the flood gates for the production of vital necessities such as N95 masks and ventilators. Trump noted that corporations have shown “tremendous spirit” pitch in.
Then, he criticized the governors, insisting his administration is considered the “second line of attack” and suggesting the governors are directly responsible for their residents.
“Remember, we are a second line of attack,” he exclaimed. “The first line of attack is supposed to be the hospitals and the local government and the states.”
The president also downplayed the requests, speculating that some of the requests aren’t need-based.
“I think that a lot of things are being said that are more,” Trump said. “I don’t think certain things will materialize, a lot of equipment is being asked for that I don’t think they’ll need.”
Trump continued, “They’re going to do well but you have to know, this has to be managed by local government and by the governors. It can’t be managed by the federal government.”
The president took aim at multiple governors, criticizing them for their ongoing concerns, requests for medical equipment, and presumed lack of preparedness amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Watch Trump’s interview below:
Trump described Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) as a “failed presidential candidate” who “should be doing more.”
Then, he moved on to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) accusing her of “not stepping up” and blaming the federal government. Trump insisted that his administration has “sent her a lot” but she is not getting anything done.
Hannity also chimed in to share his opinion of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) plea for more ventilators. The Fox host does not believe the high number of ventilators will be needed.
“I was kind of angry at Andrew Cuomo,” Hannity said before mocking the New York governor for requesting 30,000 ventilators.
The president appeared to downplay their demands despite the accelerated rise in the number of positive coronavirus cases nationwide.
Despite his disapproval of multiple Democratic governors, Trump — who described his recent conversation with “almost” all of the governors as a “love fest” — insisted they are pleased with his administration’s work.