President Donald Trump is facing an onslaught of criticism following his latest claim on Twitter.
Based on the tweet, Trump appeared to suggest that governors don’t have the authority to decide when lockdown orders should end. However, many Twitter users have pointed out the flaws in Trump’s tweet.
Technically, Trump’s claims aren’t exactly true.
“Trump can say whatever he wants but if governors decide to continue with stay at home orders, he can’t overrule them,” one tweet read. “Trump takes another L in his war against apostrophes.”
1) Trump can say whatever he wants but if governors decide to continue with stay at home orders, he can't overrule them
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 13, 2020
2) Trump takes another L in his war against apostrophes https://t.co/M2qaOcvU4d
Check out some of the other reactions:
1. Trump has only issued guidelines urging Americans to practice social distancing & not gather in large groups
— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) April 13, 2020
2. When I asked Trump earlier this month why he wouldn't urge governors w/o stay at home orders to issue those, he cited the Constitution & claimed it wasn't his role https://t.co/S5pziym1zq
FYI this is nonsense. Trump didn't make a single "tough decision" about closing businesses/schools. He didn't issue a single order requiring social distancing.
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) April 13, 2020
All those tough decisions were made by governors/mayors, and those governors/mayors will decide when to open back up. https://t.co/t8KvSoUKjS
The point of Trump saying he's going to "re-open" the economy, even though he doesn't have the power, is to scapegoat governors (blue state ones, specifically) for the economic impact of retaining the stay-at-home orders. He thinks he'll escape blame. He won't.
— Bob Cesca (@bobcesca_go) April 13, 2020
The latest critical reactions follow Trump’s actual tweet. On Monday morning, the president took to Twitter with multiple concerns about news reports criticizing his administration’s handling of the coronavirus.
Trump blasted what he described as “Fake News Media.” He pushed back against the media arguing it’s the president’s decision to decide when states reopen.
“For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion, some in the Fake News Media are saying that it is the Governors decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government,” Trump said.
He continued, “Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect. It is the decision of the President, and for many good reasons. With that being said, the Administration and I are working closely with the Governors, and this will continue. A decision by me, in conjunction with the Governors and input from others, will be made shortly!”
For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion, some in the Fake News Media are saying that it is the Governors decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government. Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2020
….It is the decision of the President, and for many good reasons. With that being said, the Administration and I are working closely with the Governors, and this will continue. A decision by me, in conjunction with the Governors and input from others, will be made shortly!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2020
On Saturday, Trump issued a disaster declaration for Wyoming — marking the first time in history a major disaster had been declared in all 50 states, simultaneously.
As of Monday afternoon, coronavirus cases in the United States have surpassed 545,000. More than 21,000 Americans have also died from complications of coronavirus.