Many in Michigan have accused Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of abusing her power after she implemented a ban on boating, selling nonessential items, and visits to other residences during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Democratic governor implemented an expanded executive order banning the sale of nonessential goods, including clothing, gardening seeds, and car seats on Friday. She also outlawed visits to other residences, including visits to a vacation home or a neighbor’s house, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Many believed these actions to be an abuse of power. Independent Michigan Rep. Justin Amash condemned Whitmer’s actions on Twitter on Saturday, writing, “I have a constitutional duty to ensure states don’t trample on the rights of the people. @GovWhitmer’s latest order goes too far and will erode confidence in her leadership. She should immediately reassess it.”
“Several recent measures provide marginal benefits at best, while substantially heightening frustration and resentment,” he continued. “Sensible instructions to practice social distancing, wear masks, and stay at home already do most of the work to reduce the virus’s spread. By pushing too far, the governor undermines her own authority and increases the likelihood people will not follow reasonable guidelines.”
As a federal official, I do my best to stay out of state politics. But I have a constitutional duty to ensure states don’t trample on the rights of the people. @GovWhitmer’s latest order goes too far and will erode confidence in her leadership. She should immediately reassess it.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 11, 2020
Sensible instructions to practice social distancing, wear masks, and stay at home already do most of the work to reduce the virus’s spread. By pushing too far, the governor undermines her own authority and increases the likelihood people will not follow reasonable guidelines.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) April 11, 2020
Others echoed Amash’s frustration. Speaker of the Michigan House Lee Chatfield mocked Whitmer’s orders, tweeting, “Non-essential in Michigan: Lawn care, construction, fishing if boating with a motor, realtors, buying seeds, home improvement equipment & gardening supplies. Essential in Michigan: Marijuana, lottery & alcohol. Let’s be safe & reasonable. Right now, we’re not!”
Non-essential in Michigan:
-Lawn care, construction, fishing if boating with a motor, realtors, buying seeds, home improvement equipment & gardening supplies.
Essential in Michigan:
-Marijuana, lottery & alcohol.
Let’s be safe & reasonable. Right now, we’re not! #AdoptNewCISA
— Lee Chatfield (@LeeChatfield) April 11, 2020
State Sen. Mike Shirkey, a Republican, offered a similar remark, writing, “In Michigan today you can buy weed but not seeds.”
In Michigan today you can buy weed but not seeds. https://t.co/XXfPiYvLfl
— Sen. Mike Shirkey (@SenMikeShirkey) April 10, 2020
Several images of stores blocking off access to items deemed nonessential went viral, including a photograph of a Walmart notice that claimed Whitmer’s executive order banned the sale of car seats that may be needed by parents of newborns.
Per order from @GovWhitmer, people in Michigan are now banned from purchasing a new baby car seat in stores.
This is dangerous and this order needs clarification immediately. #migov #mileg pic.twitter.com/hlWNab6OTY
— Tori Sachs (@Tori_Sachs) April 11, 2020
As of Sunday, a Change.org petition to have Whitmer recalled from office had more than 122,000 signatures.
Michigan has experienced a surge in coronavirus cases that prompted Whitmer’s additional executive orders. As of Sunday morning, the state had the third-worst outbreak in the nation, with more than 23,600 confirmed cases and 1,384 related deaths.
