President Donald Trump has not made it a secret that he wants to see restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus lifted sooner rather than later.
On Friday, he called on Americans to “liberate” their states and was accused of “fomenting” protestings against stay at home orders.
However, during a press conference on Wednesday, he said he told Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R ) that he “disagrees strongly” with his plan to reopen Georgia’s economy.
“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 one guidelines,” Trump 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,” Trump added.
He continued to say that spas, salons, and barbershops should not be opening at this point in time, “It’s just too soon.”
“They can wait a little bit longer, just a little bit – not much. Because safety has to predominate. We have to have that,” he added.
Watch the video below:
Trump says he told Georgia Gov. Kemp that he disagrees with his move to reopen businesses as soon as this Friday, but adds that "he must do what he thinks is right." pic.twitter.com/n1YMBo7Ajb
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 22, 2020
Kemp has been criticized for his plan to begin lifting restrictions on businesses as early as next Monday, as IJR has previously reported. Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams called Kemp’s plan “dangerously incompetent.”
Additionally, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Kemp’s plan is “going too fast too soon,” and raised concerns about the speed with which Kemp plans to lift restrictions.
Under Kemp’s plan, non-essential businesses such as spas, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and gyms can reopen as early as Monday.
According to the guidelines Trump unveiled on Thursday, many of the businesses that Kemp is allowing to open on Monday — such as spas, barbershops, and tattoo parlors — should not be opening until the second phase of the plan.