Trump stands firm that governors exercise autonomy over their states re-opening timelines. Even if he disagrees with their strategy. Point in case: Gov. Kemp re-opening businesses in Georgia. 

Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp, is allowing a partial opening of businesses in the state. His decision is based on his belief that GA is meeting the White House guidelines for “Phase One” re-opening. In the daily press briefing, the President expressed concern that Gov. Kemp is taking an overly aggressive approach, and should wait a few weeks until the anticipated peak has passed. Yet, he clearly stated support for Gov. Kemp to make decisions for Georgia.

During the briefing Trump said,

So, a lot of good things and there’s a lot of good feeling between myself and Brian. I like him a lot. I happen to just disagree with him only in time–in timing. I disagree.”

and continued,

So, do I agree with him? No. But I respect him and I will let him make his decision. What I do that? No, I’d keep them a little longer. I want to protect people’s lives. But I’m going to let him make his decision. But I told him I totally disagree.“

How refreshing! A politician who abides by the 10th Amendment, and respects the autonomy of each state. I think we can add “failed Tyrant” to Trump’s list of accomplishments.

Press Briefing 4/22

Media is Focused on the Risks of Re-Opening, but Ignores State’s Autonomy

The White House has outlined the suggested steps to “re-open” the country, and of course the media is doing what they do. Namely, speculative panic about Georgia starting the process too soon, and fabricating a rift between Trump and Kemp.

Time writes,

In addition to pushback from Trump, Kemp’s plan to begin cracking open the Georgia economy faces two major hurdles — the state is struggling to increase testing for new coronavirus infections and boost tracking of those in contact with infected people.”

But the real prize for misleading cherry-picked headline goes to, CNBC,

Trump says he ‘totally disagrees’ with Georgia Gov. Kemp’s decision to reopen businesses in the middle of coronavirus pandemic”

Then they burst out of the gate with,

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he “totally disagrees” with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s phase 1 plans to reopen tattoo parlors, bars, hair salons and other nonessential businesses this week.“

The media is attempting to frighten their readership, and undermine the credibility of the relationship between Trump and Kemp.

Does anyone reading this blog feel shocked that these headlines and stories are missing a major point? Namely, the 10th Amendment,

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.“

Somewhere in those 28 words Gov. Kemp can find the right to do what the citizens of their state expect of him.

It is awesome that Trump recognizes this, and by all appearances is allowing the Constitution to guide his decision for state’s autonomy. But he really has no path to stopping it from happening.

The Federal Government is Limited, So Trump is Prudent to Let the 10th Guide the Course

I like nothing more than turning liberals logic back on them to support an argument against their desires. Seemingly, the media wants Trump to usurp the Gov. and demand that he stay on the federally guided course to re-open businesses. But just last month, liberal media was worried Trump would demand states “return to business.” The Brookings Institute and Lawfare cooperatively published an article titled, “Can the Federal Government Override State Government Rules on Social Distancing to Promote the Economy?“ by Law Professor Robert Chesney.

Mr. Chesney writes, “Can the president compel state and local cooperation with his preferred policy?” No. Because, “The federal government cannot commandeer the machinery of the state governments (or, by extension, of local governments). That is, the federal government cannot coerce the states into taking actions to suit federal policy preference. See, e.g., New York v. United States and Printz v. United States. And so, the federal government cannot compel state and local officials to promulgate different rules on social distancing and the like.”

Inversely, the federal government cannot compel a state to demand businesses stay closed to meet a federal guideline. Trump is prudent to stand on the side with the 10th Amendment.

Georgia is the First of What May Be a Flood of “Open For Business”

Gov. Kemp was the subject of the most recent press briefing. Other states are preparing to re-open businesses (Nina covers Colorado and Tennessee here) and the media scrutiny will follow them as well. A vulture like body count will accompany stories of workers who refuse to return under risky conditions. Nobody should hope this fails, just to prove a point, but people will. There will be comments linking everything negative to Trump. But most of America is wishing Georgia success in becoming the first state to move out of this quarantine quagmire.

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