Donald Trump Jr. told reporters Friday that he expects Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to block presidential campaign events under the guise of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitmer told the Associated Press last month she would think very seriously about trying to block the president from hosting a campaign rally in Michigan, where her executive orders require masks in all public spaces and limit the size of gatherings and events.

We know that congregating without masks, especially at an indoor facility, is the worst thing to do in the midst of a global pandemic, Whitmer reportedly said. I just know we have limitations on the number of people that can gather and that were taking this seriously.

The governors office provided a comment after this story initially published.

The governor is focused on saving the lives of Michiganders, and remains unbothered by partisan games and political attacks, Communications Director Zack Pohl said in a statement. If the Trump Administration was as concerned about protecting the publics health as it is about hosting dangerous rallies that can be breeding grounds for spreading COVID-19, perhaps there would be a national pandemic response plan or federal mask-up campaign to combat this virus that has already killed tens of thousands of Americans across the United States.

The presidents son, who is in self-imposed quarantine after his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle tested positive for COVID-19, said he thinks the cancellation of political events would happen for partisan reasons. He said there are ways to hold campaign events safely, by requiring masks and keeping people six feet apart from one another.

I have a feeling a lot of the governors in the swing states, the liberal governors are going to do whatever they can to quash events and quash rallies, Trump said. Given the sort of partisan manner in which Gretchen Whitmer has handled everything as it relates to Michigan, it would be little shock to me whatsoever that she would do whatever she can, under the guise of corona(virus) of course.

Whitmer issued an executive order on June 5 allowing indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 250 people are also allowed.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited Michigan for events organized by the White House in May and June.

The president gave remarks at a Ford Motor Company facility in Ypsilanti Township, while Pence spoke at an outdoor venue in Sterling Heights where attendees were spaced six feet apart. The governors office said Trumps May visit opposed an executive order barring non-essential tours of manufacturing facilities.

Trump Jr.s remarks came on the same day Whitmer issued an executive order requiring Michigan residents to wear masks in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, or face a misdemeanor charge. Whitmers order, which takes effect immediately, includes some exceptions for children and people who have a medical reason preventing the use of a face covering.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said Whitmers new order isnt about politics in a Friday statement.

This is about saving lives, stopping the spread of COVID-19 and moving Michigan beyond this crisis, she said.

At a Friday press conference, Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khladun said Michigans fight against the infectious respiratory disease is nowhere near over.

There were 67,683 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Michigan and 6,024 deaths as of Thursday. A total of 52,841 people have recovered as of July 3.

Michigan is experiencing a spike in new confirmed cases in July after the number of new cases found each day gradually decreased during the last few months. Over the last month, Michigans daily increase in coronavirus cases has climbed from 150 to 444.

The presidents son argued any bans on political events would only serve to hurt the Trump campaign while benefitting presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Trump said Biden has been hiding from voters instead of hitting the campaign trail.

Michigan is an important state for the presidents reelection hopes. The president won Michigan by only 0.3% in 2016, becoming the first Republican to take the state in nearly three decades thanks to a narrow 10,704-vote margin.

It is an important state to us, but I imagine they will do whatever they can to create an obstacle for us, Trump said.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

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Donald Trump Jr. expects Gov. Whitmer to block campaign rallies under guise of COVID pandemic - MLive.com