White House coronavirus adviser Scott Atlas is seeking to clarify his remark after he pushed back on news of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) imposing stricter coronavirus restrictions.
It was announced on Saturday that beginning this week Michigan will not be allowed to have in-person classes for high school and college. Other restrictions include closing indoor dining services. The order goes into effect on Wednesday and will be for three weeks.
In response, Atlas — one of the president’s coronavirus task force advisers — warned, “The only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept.”
https://twitter.com/SWAtlasHoover/status/1328120887128842240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1328120887128842240%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fus%2Ftrump-adviser-encourages-citizens-to-rise-up-against-michigan-covid
Atlas then sought to clarify his remarks later Sunday when he wrote in another tweet, “Hey. I NEVER was talking at all about violence. People vote, people peacefully protest. NEVER would I endorse or incite violence. NEVER!!”
https://twitter.com/SWAtlasHoover/status/1328171502211043328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1328171502211043328%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fus%2Ftrump-adviser-encourages-citizens-to-rise-up-against-michigan-covid
However, Whitmer hit back at Atlas, telling CNN, “We know that the White House likes to single us out here in Michigan, me out in particular.”
She added, “I’m not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals.”
See her remarks below:
MI Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: "I'm not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals." pic.twitter.com/PKPIQRukM4
— The Hill (@thehill) November 16, 2020
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) also responded to Atlas, slamming his remarks as “disappointing, irresponsible, and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19.”
A patriot is one who protects America from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. COVID-19 is the enemy, not each other. Stop pitting Americans against each other and start supporting policies proven to effectively fight the virus.
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) November 16, 2020
Nessel added on Twitter, “A patriot is one who protects America from its enemies, both foreign and domestic. COVID-19 is the enemy, not each other. Stop pitting Americans against each other and start supporting policies proven to effectively fight the virus.”
Michigan is not the only state that is imposing stricter coronavirus restrictions following surges of cases. Washington is also not allowing indoor dining at restaurants and gyms are closed for a month, as well as reducing in-store retail capacity, among other restrictions.
