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President Donald Trump on Monday said he’d soon make a decision “in conjunction” with governors and other officials on re-opening states, as he claimed he held the power to give such orders.
In a pair of tweets, Trump said some in the media “are saying that it is the Governors decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government.” The president said that is “incorrect” — even as experts have underscored that things like stay-at-home orders are up to individual states.
“States currently retain power to decide who stays home and for how long,” said a recent analysis from the legal blog Lawfare.
Also see:Trump’s pandemic response was hindered by missed opportunities, ignored warnings.
Trump, who has been aiming to reopen the economy as the coronavirus pandemic batters the nation, said “A decision by me, in conjunction with the Governors and input from others, will be made shortly!”
The president has previously claimed he has “absolute authority” to reopen shuttered parts of the nation, and has been contradicted by legal experts.
Separate statements by Trump on Monday suggested a weekend deal struck by OPEC and major oil CLK20, +2.76% BRNM20, +1.55% producers could be more substantial than has been announced.
