President Trump denied a report that said he privately supported Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s aggressive plan to reopen the economy despite publicly criticizing it.
“I (or @VP) never gave Governor Brian Kemp an OK on those few businesses outside of the Guidelines,” Trump tweeted Friday morning. “FAKE NEWS! Spas, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, & barber shops should take a little slower path, but I told the Governor to do what is right for the great people of Georgia (& USA)!”
I (or @VP) never gave Governor Brian Kemp an OK on those few businesses outside of the Guidelines. FAKE NEWS! Spas, beauty salons, tattoo parlors, & barber shops should take a little slower path, but I told the Governor to do what is right for the great people of Georgia (& USA)!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 24, 2020
The president’s tweet was in response to an Associated Press article that reported both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence separately backed Kemp’s plan for reopening the state’s economy before and after it was announced. The report said the president publicly condemned the plan after top health advisers reviewed the plan and convinced Trump that Kemp was risking a spike in coronavirus cases by moving too quickly.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities,” Trump said at Wednesday’s press briefing. A day later, he said: “I wasn’t happy with Brian Kemp. I wasn’t at all happy.”
Kemp, a Republican, announced earlier this week that some retailers, nail salons, massage therapists, bowling alleys, and gyms will open on Friday, which attracted significant backlash from Georgia politicians and others, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who said he was worried Georgia was “going too fast too soon” in trying to get back to normal.
Kemp has remained steadfast on his plan to reopen the economy.
“Earlier today, I discussed Georgia’s plan to reopen shuttered businesses for limited operations with [Trump],” Kemp tweeted. “I appreciate his bold leadership and insight during these difficult times and the framework provided by the White House to safely move states forward.”
“Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials. We will continue with this approach to protect the lives — and livelihoods — of all Georgians,” he added.
The president has repeatedly stated a desire to get people back to work sooner rather than later as unemployment numbers jump and has come under pressure from allies who fear he is letting his scientific advisers control the decision. Trump unveiled a plan earlier this month encouraging states to reopen before May 1.
