Florida's GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, typically a strong supporter of Trump's, tweeted that decisions to modify social distancing orders \"should & will be made by Governors.\"
\"[T]he Constitution & common sense dictates these decisions be made at the state level,\" Rubio wrote.
Hours later, Trump had reversed course.
It was up to governors, Trump said Tuesday evening at his daily news conference. \"They have to do a great job, and we're going to suggest they check people through tests or otherwise coming into their states, and they run their states very strong.\"
“I’m not going to say to Governor Cuomo, ‘You got to open within seven days,’\" Trump said. \"I want him to take his time, do it right, and then open New York. I'm not putting any pressure on the governors. Some of them don’t need pressure or not pressure. I mean, they are ready to go. And that's a good thing.\"
But even after backtracking, Trump clearly was not able to cede full decision-making power to the governors, hoping to maintain at least the appearance he had the final say. \"They need the federal government not only for funding but they need it for advice\" and for the \"equipment that we have.\"
\"We’re going to have some very strong recommendations for the governors, we’re going to work with the governors, and the governors are gonna do a good job,\" he said. \"And if they don't do a good job, we’re going come down on them very hard. We’ll have no other choice.\"
When asked whether he might try to cut funding or take other steps, he declined to answer.
This report was featured in the Friday, April 17, 2020, episode of “Start Here,” ABC News’ daily news podcast.
\"Start Here\" offers a straightforward look at the day's top stories in 20 minutes. Listen for free every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, the ABC News app or wherever you get your podcasts.
What to know about coronavirus:
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