California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is praising President Donald Trump for the federal government’s swift delivery of swabs for coronavirus testing in his state.
During Wednesday’s appearance on NBC’s “The Today Show,” Newsom was asked if the federal government had been sufficiently providing the resources his state needs to combat the pandemic.
“In many cases, they have,” Newsom said. “And I’m just speaking candidly and honestly for the state of California. Last week, I called the president personally and said we need more swabs for specimen collections so we can sustainably increase our testing capacity. They were delivered the next day.”
Newsom noted his awareness of other governors having different experiences with the president. However, he made it clear that his experience is based solely on the Trump administration’s assistance in handling the coronavirus outbreak in California.
“I mean this from the bottom of my heart. I’m really focused on doing my job, trying to save lives day-in and day-out, putting my head down,” he said.
See Newsom’s remarks below:
"I called the president personally and said we need more swabs for specimen so we can increase testing capacity …
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) April 29, 2020
… They were delivered the next day." @GavinNewsom thanks @realDonaldTrump for a quick turnaround and increased COVID-19 testing in hard-hit California. pic.twitter.com/6mZwVuRsHU
Newsom went on to explain why he opts to stay focused on the main goal while disregarding the negative aspects and obstacles.
“I try to avoid the finger-pointing and the hand-ringing. It’s just too many American lives here at stake in the state of California and in an extent, we need more support, we do. But we also have to be resourceful and California is a nation’s state, has the capacity to do more than many and we need to be held to account, as well.”
Like many other states, Newsom is also exploring options to slowly begin reopening California. Confirming the state had entered phase one of reopening, Newsom tweeted about the outlined plans to gradually reopen the state’s economy.
STAGE 1: Safety and Preparedness.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 28, 2020
This is where we are now.
Staying home and flattening the curve.
Building out our testing, PPE, and hospital capacity.
Making our essential workplaces as safe as possible.
And preparing sector-by-sector guidelines for a safe re-opening.
As of Wednesday morning, California has more than 46,000 positive coronavirus cases.