President Donald Trump said he “disagrees strongly” with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision to reopen businesses like barbershops and nail salons across the state.
The remarks were made during his daily COVID-19 task force briefing, one day after the president praised the governor, reports NBC.
"I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities," Trump said during Wednesday’s press conference. "But at the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right. But I disagree with him on what he's doing."
Kemp responded to the comments in a tweet, thanking Trump for the input but standing by his decision, which he said is “driven by data and guided by state public health officials.”
“Earlier today, I discussed Georgia's plan to reopen shuttered businesses for limited operations with @POTUS,” Kemp wrote. “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,” the governor added. “We will continue with this approach to protect the lives - and livelihoods - of all Georgians.”
Kemp shared details of the decision in a tweet on Monday.
“Due to favorable data & more testing, gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools & massage therapists can reopen Friday, April 24 with Minimum Basic Operations,” Kemp wrote.
Kemp’s decision has been criticized by mayors across Georgia as premature. Responses from members of the White House coronavirus task force have advised caution while ultimately deferring to the governor.
“If I were advising the governor, I would tell him he should be careful. And I would advise him not to just turn the switch on and go,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during Tuesday’s daily briefing. “There is a danger of a rebound.”
Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, commented on the decision: "If there's a way that people can social distance and do those things, then they can do those things. I don't know how, but people are very creative."
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