California could find itself again at odds with the Trump administration, this time on when and how to lift the unprecedented social distancing restrictions that many credit with helping contain the spread of the coronavirus in the state.
California has seen markedly fewer deaths than other hot spots like New York and New Jersey, and officials have said its early embrace of stay-at-home rules is one reason why.
Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom and others are beginning to talk about how the economy could restart. But President Trump on Monday claimed that he has that power, rather than local and state officials.
Trump’s claims
“When somebody’s the president of the United States, the authority is total,” Trump said at Monday’s coronavirus briefing. “It’s total. And the governors know that.”
Trump also tweeted that reopening the economy “is the decision of the President,” and not local or state officials, who shouldered the responsibility of closing most schools, shops and nonessential services.
Asked during the briefing which provisions would authorize him to override local authorities, Trump was vague. “Numerous provisions,” he said. “We’ll give you a legal brief if you want.”
On Tuesday, Trump doubled down in a tweet, insinuating that local governors need too much from the federal government to go their own way…
To read the entire article from Los Angeles Times, click https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-14/california-faces-battle-with-trump-over-when-and-how-to-reopen-amid-coronavirus
