Despite tweets, Missouri Gov. Parson says Trump’s ‘well aware’ of states’ authority
The governors of Missouri and Kansas both asserted Monday that they had the authority to decide when to end restrictions on social gathering after President Donald Trump claimed it was his power to determine when states reopen.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Bolivar Republican, addressed the issue at his afternoon briefing, saying the president was “well aware” of the power of states to decide when to lift restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
“I think he like all of us are anxious to get the economy back on its feet, moving forward. And I think that’s what he cares about when he says things like that. But he’s well aware to know the difference between what the president of the United States’ duties are versus what the governors of the United States’ (duties) are,” Parson said.
The 10th Amendment to the Constitution gives states broad authority to set their own policies. Earlier in the day, Trump claimed on Twitter that he had the power to determine when states would lift their stay-at-home orders.
“For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion, some in the Fake News 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. Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect,” Trump said in a series of tweets. “It is the decision of the President, and for many good reasons.”
Parson said that he was not sure what Trump had tweeted, but said he is in regular communication with the White House and had spoken to Vice President Mike Pence a few hours before his briefing.
“I’m not worried about that. The president’s going to work with us governors. He’s proven that time and time again.”
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Topeka Democrat, also highlighted her communication with federal officials while asserting her authority as governor.
“I know we all want to return to our normal lives as soon as possible. I want us to be able to go to school, to work and to our places of worship, too – but this can only happen if we stop the spread of the deadly virus,” Kelly said in a statement.
“My administration will continue to work closely with the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on best ways to combat the virus.”
Later at her daily briefing, Kelly renewed her call for the Trump administration to fulfill Kansas’ seven outstanding requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for personal protective equipment for health care workers and first responders.
The Star’s Jason Hancock contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 4:52 PM with the headline "Despite tweets, Missouri Gov. Parson says Trump’s ‘well aware’ of states’ authority."
