usatoday--2020-04-22--Trump says Harvard will return coronavirus stimulus money

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Harvard University would return coronavirus stimulus money he said was intended for small businesses – and added that he would ask other large entities to do so as well .
“ Harvard ’ s going to return the money , ” the president asserted at his daily press conference on Tuesday .
“ They shouldn ’ t have taken it.
” Trump later said he wants the university to return the money , but indicated that it had not agreed to do so .
`` If they won ’ t do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ else , '' the president said , without elaborating .
Harvard has come under fire for receivingnearly $ 9 million in funding from the bipartisan coronavirusrelief package .
The school has said the money would be used for helping Harvard students who need financial assistance .
It has also said that it did not apply for or receive any money intended for small businesses .
Instead , the university said , it received a portion of Department of Education funding that was distributed to thousands of schools across the country .
`` Like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been allocated funds as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund , '' the university said in a statement .
`` Harvard has committed that 100 % of these emergency higher education funds will be used to provide direct assistance to students facing urgent financial needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
The funding was distributed to schools based on a formula that includes how many students receive federal financial aid through Pell Grants .
Trump administration officials have faced questions about other large businesses , such as Shake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money intended for smaller companies .
Shake Shack said recently it would return the money , and Trump indicated he would ask other large companies to follow suit .
“ The intent was not for companies that have access to plenty of liquidity and resources , ” said Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin , who threatened but did not specify additional “ consequences ” for companies that did not comply .

Trump says Harvard will return coronavirus stimulus money
Show Caption Hide Caption President to ask Harvard to repay virus grant President Donald Trump says he will ask Harvard University to repay the money it received as part of a coronavirus relief package. (April 21) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Harvard University would return coronavirus stimulus money he said was intended for small businesses – and added that he would ask other large entities to do so as well.
“Harvard’s going to return the money,” the president asserted at his daily press conference on Tuesday. “They shouldn’t have taken it.” Trump later said he wants the university to return the money, but indicated that it had not agreed to do so.
"If they won’t do that, then we’ll do something else," the president said, without elaborating.
Harvard has come under fire for receiving nearly $9 million in funding from the bipartisan coronavirus relief package. The school has said the money would be used for helping Harvard students who need financial assistance. It has also said that it did not apply for or receive any money intended for small businesses.
Instead, the university said, it received a portion of Department of Education funding that was distributed to thousands of schools across the country.
"Like most colleges and universities, Harvard has been allocated funds as part of the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund," the university said in a statement. "Harvard has committed that 100% of these emergency higher education funds will be used to provide direct assistance to students facing urgent financial needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic."
The funding was distributed to schools based on a formula that includes how many students receive federal financial aid through Pell Grants.
Trump administration officials have faced questions about other large businesses, such as Shake Shack, that received some portion of the money intended for smaller companies. Shake Shack said recently it would return the money, and Trump indicated he would ask other large companies to follow suit.
“The intent was not for companies that have access to plenty of liquidity and resources,” said Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, who threatened but did not specify additional “consequences” for companies that did not comply.


usatoday--2020-04-22--Republican governor of Maryland says he has 'no idea why' Trump blasted him at briefing

ANNAPOLIS , Md .
– Gov .
Larry Hogan said Tuesday he `` had no idea why '' President Donald Trump sharply criticized him during a White House news conference the previous day .
Hogan told MSNBC that he and other governors had `` a great conversation '' with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence during a conference call and `` then somehow it went off the rails yesterday in that press conference .
But I have no idea why . ''
During Monday 's White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing , Trump said each governor had been given a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could help increase their capacity to test their residents for the virus .
`` The governor from Maryland didn ’ t really understand the list , '' Trump said .
`` He didn ’ t understand too much about what was going on .
So now I think he ’ ll be able to do that .
It ’ s pretty simple , but they have tremendous capacity , and we hope to be able to help him out . ''
Hogan said that during the call he `` simply pointed out '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list in Maryland were federally owned , including the National Institute of Health .
He said he had been `` trying for more than a month to get access to use labs like NIH , with no success '' until Pence and Trump committed to opening them up during the conference call .
A Republican who is serving as chairman of the National Governors Association , Hogan has implored the federal government to help states increase their capacity to test for the virus for weeks as his fellow governors have insisted they lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tests .
But Trump has long insisted testing is readily available since declaring on March 6 that `` anybody who wants a test can get a test . ''
He has also repeatedly stated it is up to the governors to implement the tests .
`` We ’ re moving very rapidly , at a number nobody thought possible .
And we ’ ll be doubling our number of daily tests if the governors bring their states fully online through the capability that they have , '' Trump said at Monday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryland had purchased 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea .
After a question about why Hogan had to order tests from overseas if there were enough in the U.S. , Pence said he did n't know when Hogan placed the order but he `` would n't begrudge him or his health officials for ordering tests . ''
He then referred to a map showing the labs available to help process coronavirus tests in Maryland .
Pence said had assured Hogan the administration would `` open up all of those facilities . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump said .
`` If the Governor of Maryland could have called Mike Pence , he could have saved a lot of money . ''
`` I don ’ t think he needed to go to South Korea .
I think he needed to get a little knowledge , would have been helpful , '' Trump added .
Responding to Trump 's comment , Hogan told MSNBC Trump `` basically said we 'did n't have to go to Korea because look at all these things we have in our state . '
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests .
They 're good labs that do n't have any tests . ''
Hogan , who last year considered challenging Trump in the Republican primary , added that he was `` very appreciative of '' the administration 's decision to allow Maryland the use of the federal labs in the state .
`` We now have the tests , they have the labs and that should be a great solution , '' he said .
`` We should be able to now start to get to work together . ''
Hogan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easier way '' to the tests , `` we certainly would have taken it . ''

Republican governor of Maryland says he has 'no idea why' Trump blasted him at briefing
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: Md. gov. 'needed to get a little knowledge' President Donald Trump criticized Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan after the Republican announced Monday that he had secured 500,000 tests from South Korea after more than 20 days of negotiations. (April 20) AP
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Gov. Larry Hogan said Tuesday he "had no idea why" President Donald Trump sharply criticized him during a White House news conference the previous day.
Hogan told MSNBC that he and other governors had "a great conversation" with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence during a conference call and "then somehow it went off the rails yesterday in that press conference. But I have no idea why."
During Monday's White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing, Trump said each governor had been given a list of labs in their states that could help increase their capacity to test their residents for the virus.
"The governor from Maryland didn’t really understand the list," Trump said. "He didn’t understand too much about what was going on. So now I think he’ll be able to do that. It’s pretty simple, but they have tremendous capacity, and we hope to be able to help him out."
Hogan said that during the call he "simply pointed out" that most of the labs on the list in Maryland were federally owned, including the National Institute of Health. He said he had been "trying for more than a month to get access to use labs like NIH, with no success" until Pence and Trump committed to opening them up during the conference call.
'He didn't understand': Trump slams Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, outspoken critic on testing
States rights on reopening businesses over President Trump, explained The 10th Amendment protects state powers and puts a hamper on presidential powers. Here's how the fight for control is playing out today. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
A Republican who is serving as chairman of the National Governors Association, Hogan has implored the federal government to help states increase their capacity to test for the virus for weeks as his fellow governors have insisted they lack the kits or equipment needed to conduct the tests.
But Trump has long insisted testing is readily available since declaring on March 6 that "anybody who wants a test can get a test." He has also repeatedly stated it is up to the governors to implement the tests.
"We’re moving very rapidly, at a number nobody thought possible. And we’ll be doubling our number of daily tests if the governors bring their states fully online through the capability that they have," Trump said at Monday's briefing.
Earlier Monday, Hogan announced Maryland had purchased 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea. After a question about why Hogan had to order tests from overseas if there were enough in the U.S., Pence said he didn't know when Hogan placed the order but he "wouldn't begrudge him or his health officials for ordering tests." He then referred to a map showing the labs available to help process coronavirus tests in Maryland. Pence said had assured Hogan the administration would "open up all of those facilities."
"Take a look at that map," Trump said. "If the Governor of Maryland could have called Mike Pence, he could have saved a lot of money."
"I don’t think he needed to go to South Korea. I think he needed to get a little knowledge, would have been helpful," Trump added.
Responding to Trump's comment, Hogan told MSNBC Trump "basically said we 'didn't have to go to Korea because look at all these things we have in our state.'"
"Well, they aren't tests. They're good labs that don't have any tests."
Hogan, who last year considered challenging Trump in the Republican primary, added that he was "very appreciative of" the administration's decision to allow Maryland the use of the federal labs in the state.
"We now have the tests, they have the labs and that should be a great solution," he said. "We should be able to now start to get to work together."
Hogan said that if there had been "an easier way" to get the tests, "we certainly would have taken it."


usatoday--2020-04-23--Trump says he disagrees with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to reopen during coronavirus outbrea

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said he disagrees with Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp 's decision to move quickly to reopen parts of the state 's economy , but said the final call belongs to the governor .
`` I told the governor of Georgia , Brian Kemp , that I disagree , strongly , with his decision to open certain facilities , ” Trump told reporters , saying the state 's coronavirus case numbers do n't meet the threshold needed to reopen under the White House 's guidelines .
At the same time , Trump added , Kemp `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Kemp said he appreciated Trump 's critique – and praised his `` bold leadership and insight during these difficult times '' – but would stick with a plan in which businesses re-open carefully with restrictions designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
`` Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials , '' Kemp said in a series of tweets .
`` We will continue with this approach to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians . ''
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from mayors , mixed support from businesses Kemp , a Trump ally , announced a plan this week that would allow nail salons , massage parlors , bowling alleys , gyms and other businesses to open Friday .
Church services can resume this weekend , and restaurants and movie theaters can follow suit in limited ways starting on Monday .
Disputing that plan , during a news briefing at the White House , Trump said it 's `` just too soon '' for places like `` spas and beauty salons and tattoo parlors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love them , but they can wait a little bit longer , '' Trump said .
`` Just a little bit , not much . ''
Defending his decision in a television interview on Wednesday , Kemp said the state is urging business owners to be careful as they open back up .
`` I think one of these things that has gotten out of control on the national level is people think we are throwing the keys back to these businesses and that 's it 's going to be business as usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told FOX 5 of Atlanta .
More : Trump 's new guidelines for states are aimed at reopening parts of US , lifting coronavirus restrictions Kemp added that : `` If we have a hot spot that pops up in another part of the state like we had in Albany , you know , I can do a countywide order or take different kinds of actions . ''
Trump 's criticism of Kemp was something of a contrast to statements he made Tuesday .
Asked about the governor of Georgia and his reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very capable man '' and `` knows what he 's doing . ''
A neighboring lawmaker , Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , said he agreed with Trump 's critique of Georgia , saying it is going `` too far too fast '' with reopening businesses .
A GOP supporter of both Kemp and Trump , Graham said the administration has `` given us a sound road map on how to safely reopen the economy .
I strongly suggest , as a nation , we follow it . ''
Mayors and lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen the economy , saying it will lead to increases in coronavirus infections and deaths .
`` I am perplexed that we have opened up in this way , '' Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CNN .
`` As I look at the data and as I talk with our public health officials , I don ’ t see that it ’ s based on anything that ’ s logical . ''
Trump has encouraged states to reopen their economies , but only in phases and if they are seeing steady reductions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his daily news briefing at the White House , Trump said Georgia is not meeting those guidelines so far .
Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told reporters that Georgia and other states can not simply flip a switch and tell their business people to `` go . ''
Asked what he would advise Kemp , Fauci said : `` I would tell him he should be careful . ''

Trump says he disagrees with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to reopen during coronavirus outbreak
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Georgia Gov. Kemp criticized for reopening the state President Donald Trump said he disagrees with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to move quickly to reopen parts of the state's economy. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said he disagrees with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to move quickly to reopen parts of the state's economy, but said the final call belongs to the governor.
"I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree, strongly, with his decision to open certain facilities,” Trump told reporters, saying the state's coronavirus case numbers don't meet the threshold needed to reopen under the White House's guidelines.
At the same time, Trump added, Kemp "must do what he thinks is right."
Kemp said he appreciated Trump's critique – and praised his "bold leadership and insight during these difficult times" – but would stick with a plan in which businesses re-open carefully with restrictions designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
"Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials," Kemp said in a series of tweets. "We will continue with this approach to protect the lives – and livelihoods – of all Georgians."
Earlier today, I discussed Georgia's plan to reopen shuttered businesses for limited operations with @POTUS. I appreciate his bold leadership and insight during these difficult times and the framework provided by the White House to safely move states forward. (1/3) #gapol — Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) April 22, 2020
More: Plans to reopen Georgia get backlash from mayors, mixed support from businesses
Kemp, a Trump ally, announced a plan this week that would allow nail salons, massage parlors, bowling alleys, gyms and other businesses to open Friday. Church services can resume this weekend, and restaurants and movie theaters can follow suit in limited ways starting on Monday.
Disputing that plan, during a news briefing at the White House, Trump said it's "just too soon" for places like "spas and beauty salons and tattoo parlors and barber shops."
"I love them, but they can wait a little bit longer," Trump said. "Just a little bit, not much."
States rights on reopening businesses over President Trump, explained The 10th Amendment protects state powers and puts a hamper on presidential powers. Here's how the fight for control is playing out today. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Defending his decision in a television interview on Wednesday, Kemp said the state is urging business owners to be careful as they open back up.
"I think one of these things that has gotten out of control on the national level is people think we are throwing the keys back to these businesses and that's it's going to be business as usual and it's not," Kemp told FOX 5 of Atlanta.
More: Trump's new guidelines for states are aimed at reopening parts of US, lifting coronavirus restrictions
Kemp added that: "If we have a hot spot that pops up in another part of the state like we had in Albany, you know, I can do a countywide order or take different kinds of actions."
Trump's criticism of Kemp was something of a contrast to statements he made Tuesday. Asked about the governor of Georgia and his reopening plans, Trump said "he's a very capable man" and "knows what he's doing."
A neighboring lawmaker, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he agreed with Trump's critique of Georgia, saying it is going "too far too fast" with reopening businesses.
A GOP supporter of both Kemp and Trump, Graham said the administration has "given us a sound road map on how to safely reopen the economy. I strongly suggest, as a nation, we follow it."
Mayors and lawmakers in Georgia have criticized his plan to reopen the economy, saying it will lead to increases in coronavirus infections and deaths.
"I am perplexed that we have opened up in this way," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms told CNN. "As I look at the data and as I talk with our public health officials, I don’t see that it’s based on anything that’s logical."
Trump has encouraged states to reopen their economies, but only in phases and if they are seeing steady reductions in coronavirus cases and deaths.
During his daily news briefing at the White House, Trump said Georgia is not meeting those guidelines so far.
Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told reporters that Georgia and other states cannot simply flip a switch and tell their business people to "go."
Asked what he would advise Kemp, Fauci said: "I would tell him he should be careful."
Contributing: John Fritze


usatoday--2020-04-23--Trump suspends immigration into U.S. during coronavirus pandemic, but impact potentially limited

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to halt some immigrants from entering the U.S. , though his action contained a wide series of exceptions for workers in agriculture , health care , public safety and other industries .
`` This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens , '' Trump said during his daily briefing on Wednesday .
`` It will also preserve our health care resources for American patients . ''
The president said he would re-evaluate the halt after 60 days – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any time before that – and stressedthat the new rules do no apply to some workers .
The order was released by the White House during the president 's briefing .
Trump said he signed it just before speaking with reporters .
The order would exempt immigrants who are physicians and nurses .
It would exempt spouses of U.S. citizens , immigrants under 21 and prospective adoptees , though it appeared to block other relatives of citizens from entering .
Trump has previously said the order is aimed at temporarily halting the award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has been using the coronavirus pandemic to pursue hard line anti-immigration policies and described the order as an attempt to distract the American public from his performance on the coronavirus response .
It is `` another diversion , '' said Sen. Charles Schumer , D-N.Y. , speaking on CNN .
`` The agencies do n't even know what it is .
No one knows what it is . ''
Trump announced his new policy late Monday night on Twitter .
`` In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs of our GREAT American Citizens , I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States ! ''
Trump said in his tweet .
More : Coronavirus live updates : Schumer says $ 450B stimulus deal will pass ; Cuomo , Trump to meet ; oil prices plunge The new order may not have that much practical effect .
The order specifically blocks immigrants from entering the country if they do not have an immigrant visa or other travel document .
But since the pandemic struck , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigration by restricting travel into the U.S. , stopping most visa processing , and speeding up the return of undocumented workers to their home countries .
Charanya Krishnaswami , advocacy director for the Americas with Amnesty International USA , said Trump 's actions have more to do with keeping people of color out of the United States than with coronavirus .
“ When you ’ re a xenophobe , bans on migration are the only tired , failed , hateful solution you can think of , '' Krishnaswami said .
`` Suspending immigration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently leads among COVID cases worldwide – safe .
Our policies need to be grounded in public health , not bigotry.
” Trump supporters applauded the emerging crackdown , citing the fall of the economy after state shutdowns designed to stop the spread of the virus .
Retweeting Trump 's executive order announcement , Sen. Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, said that `` 22 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last month because of the China virus .
Let ’ s help them get back to work before we import more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

David Jackson and Michael Collins, USA TODAY

Trump suspends immigration into U.S. during coronavirus pandemic, but impact potentially limited
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus symptoms versus flu symptoms We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to halt some immigrants from entering the U.S., though his action contained a wide series of exceptions for workers in agriculture, health care, public safety and other industries.
"This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Trump said during his daily briefing on Wednesday. "It will also preserve our health care resources for American patients."
The president said he would re-evaluate the halt after 60 days – and noted that he could alter it any time before that – and stressed that the new rules do no apply to some workers. The order was released by the White House during the president's briefing. Trump said he signed it just before speaking with reporters.
The order would exempt immigrants who are physicians and nurses. It would exempt spouses of U.S. citizens, immigrants under 21 and prospective adoptees, though it appeared to block other relatives of citizens from entering. Trump has previously said the order is aimed at temporarily halting the award of new green cards.
Critics have said Trump has been using the coronavirus pandemic to pursue hard line anti-immigration policies and described the order as an attempt to distract the American public from his performance on the coronavirus response.
It is "another diversion," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speaking on CNN. "The agencies don't even know what it is. No one knows what it is."
Trump announced his new policy late Monday night on Twitter.
"In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!" Trump said in his tweet.
More: Coronavirus live updates: Schumer says $450B stimulus deal will pass; Cuomo, Trump to meet; oil prices plunge
More: 'He didn't understand.' Trump slams Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, outspoken critic on testing
The new order may not have that much practical effect. The order specifically blocks immigrants from entering the country if they do not have an immigrant visa or other travel document.
But since the pandemic struck, the Trump administration has all but paralyzed immigration by restricting travel into the U.S., stopping most visa processing, and speeding up the return of undocumented workers to their home countries.
In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 21, 2020
Charanya Krishnaswami, advocacy director for the Americas with Amnesty International USA, said Trump's actions have more to do with keeping people of color out of the United States than with coronavirus.
“When you’re a xenophobe, bans on migration are the only tired, failed, hateful solution you can think of," Krishnaswami said. "Suspending immigration won’t make the US –which currently leads among COVID cases worldwide – safe. Our policies need to be grounded in public health, not bigotry.”
Trump supporters applauded the emerging crackdown, citing the fall of the economy after state shutdowns designed to stop the spread of the virus.
Retweeting Trump's executive order announcement, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said that "22 million Americans have lost their jobs in the last month because of the China virus. Let’s help them get back to work before we import more foreigners to compete for their jobs."
Contributing: John Fritze


usatoday--2020-04-23--Las Vegas mayor wants COVID-19 restrictions lifted, faces widespread national criticism

LAS VEGAS – Despite advice of public health officials to keep businesses closed to fight the spread of COVID-19 , Mayor Carolyn Goodman wants Sin City reopened as soon as possible .
Her `` open now , ask questions later '' philosophy has led to national television interviews and drawn attacks from critics contending it 's too soon to end the shutdown .
`` We are a hospitality state .
We depend on service to the customers , '' Goodman told the USA TODAY Network in an interview Wednesday .
`` I 'm not talking about gaming .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
We closed down with no plan of how to reopen , and that has been my plea from the beginning to the governor : Have a plan . ''
On Tuesday , Nevada Gov .
Steve Sisolak said he didn ’ t have a firm date when businesses can expect to reopen – a process depending on the state ’ s progress in virus testing and containment criteria set by state and federal health experts .
So far , Nevada has more than 4,000 positive tests for COVID-19 and 172 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely be far higher had Nevadans not stayed home and practiced social distancing when the outbreak started here in early March .
As mayor , Goodman has no power or jurisdiction over the Las Vegas Strip , which lies outside city limits in Clark County .
The time to reopen should be now to get the unemployed back to work , Goodman said .
`` These people now who are lost , who are out of work , they do n't have anyone to pay their rent , their mortgage , or even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They call all the time , ' I need a job , I need to earn money . '
'' In an interview with MSNBC host Katy Tur , Goodman explained how reopening businesses could work in Nevada .
“ Assume everybody is a carrier , '' Goodman said .
`` And then you start from an even slate and tell the people what to do .
And let the businesses open and competition will destroy that business if – in fact – ( it becomes evident ) that they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s that simple.
” To the Las Vegas mayor , it should be the choice of the individual whether they enter a restaurant or casino or hotel .
`` It 's up to us as individuals to make the choice , '' Goodman said .
`` Do I want to stay home and quarantine and not go out ? ''
Annette Magnus , executive director of Battle Born Progress , said reopening too soon would endanger casino workers ' lives and called Goodman ’ s statements “ not only foolish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families who drive Nevada ’ s economy.
” “ In spite of having no jurisdiction over the casinos comprising the Las Vegas Strip , she suggested sacrificing the health and lives of casino workers as a demented experiment to test the veracity of the disease , ” Magnus said .
Elected officials and celebrities also chimed in , with Las Vegas ' Ward 1 Councilman Brian Knudsen taking to Twitter on Wednesday to condemn the mayor 's stance .
`` We all want Las Vegas to reopen , '' he said , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's comments today . ''
Responding to Goodman 's interview with CNN 's Anderson Cooper – in which she reiterated calls to reopen and called the host an `` alarmist '' – Las Vegas native and late night talk show celebrity Jimmy Kimmel called for Goodman to step down .
Sisolak , asked last week if he had any rebuttal to Goodman 's statement calling the closure `` insanity , '' said at a news briefing that , `` I heard some of the comments .
I ’ m not going to respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that majority of Americans say it won ’ t be safe to lift social distancing guidelines anytime soon , running counter to the choice of a handful of governors who have announced plans to ease within days the public health efforts that have upended daily life and roiled the global economy .
The country largely believes restrictions on social interaction to curb the spread of the virus are appropriate .
Only 12 % of Americans say the measures where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ twice as many people , 26 % , believe the limits don ’ t go far enough .
Watch : From 6 to 95 years old , these are survivors of coronavirus Vegas shutdown : Trump says he 's 'OK ' with Las Vegas shutdown after mayor calls it 'total insanity' About 8 in 10 Americans say they support measures that include requiring Americans to stay in their homes and limiting gatherings to 10 people or fewer – numbers that have largely held steady over the past few weeks .
After Goodman called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump said he 's `` OK '' with Nevada 's closure of nonessential businesses , which has shuttered Las Vegas casinos .
Speaking at Sunday 's daily White House briefing , Trump gave qualified support to Sisolak 's closure amid the coronavirus pandemic , even though the move has shut his own Trump International Hotel Las Vegas .
`` They closed a big hotel down in Nevada that I have in Las Vegas .
It ’ s a very severe step he took .
I ’ m OK with it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could call that one either way . ''
The known number of Nevadans with COVID-19 crested 4,000 on Wednesday , reaching a high of 4,081 cases statewide , according to the Nevada Health Alliance .
The number of deaths from the virus hit 172 .
Despite the escalating numbers , Goodman has remained focused on reopening .
`` This shutdown has become one of total insanity , in my opinion , '' Goodman said last week , adding , `` There is no backup of data as to why we are shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place how to move through the shutdown or how even to come out of it . ''
Trump was asked point-blank whether he supported the governor or the mayor 's opposing viewpoint on Las Vegas ' closure as a public safety measure .
Trump said he was staying out of the decision .
`` I ’ m not involved with that .
I could be if I wanted to , '' he said .
`` I know the mayor is very upset with it .
Some ( hotel and casino ) owners are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the developers out there are upset .
Others say , ‘ Hey , we have to get rid of it.
’ I can see both sides of that . ''

Las Vegas mayor wants COVID-19 restrictions lifted, faces widespread national criticism
Show Caption Hide Caption Stores, barbers, even gyms to reopen in some states Some states are moving slowly towards reopening their economies while others are moving more quickly to reopen. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
LAS VEGAS – Despite advice of public health officials to keep businesses closed to fight the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Carolyn Goodman wants Sin City reopened as soon as possible.
Her "open now, ask questions later" philosophy has led to national television interviews and drawn attacks from critics contending it's too soon to end the shutdown.
"We are a hospitality state. We depend on service to the customers," Goodman told the USA TODAY Network in an interview Wednesday. "I'm not talking about gaming. I'm talking about people who are out of work. We closed down with no plan of how to reopen, and that has been my plea from the beginning to the governor: Have a plan."
On Tuesday, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak said he didn’t have a firm date when businesses can expect to reopen – a process depending on the state’s progress in virus testing and containment criteria set by state and federal health experts.
So far, Nevada has more than 4,000 positive tests for COVID-19 and 172 deaths – figures Sisolak said on Tuesday would likely be far higher had Nevadans not stayed home and practiced social distancing when the outbreak started here in early March.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman calls for businesses to reopen, while saying she won't provide social distancing guidelines on how to do so safely.
"They better figure it out. That's their job. That's not the mayor's job" https://t.co/warrOSZtrK pic.twitter.com/R6RCCu2Wzh — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) April 22, 2020
As mayor, Goodman has no power or jurisdiction over the Las Vegas Strip, which lies outside city limits in Clark County.
The time to reopen should be now to get the unemployed back to work, Goodman said.
"These people now who are lost, who are out of work, they don't have anyone to pay their rent, their mortgage, or even buy groceries," the mayor said. "They call all the time, 'I need a job, I need to earn money.'"
'Assume everybody is a carrier'
In an interview with MSNBC host Katy Tur, Goodman explained how reopening businesses could work in Nevada.
“Assume everybody is a carrier," Goodman said. "And then you start from an even slate and tell the people what to do. And let the businesses open and competition will destroy that business if – in fact – (it becomes evident) that they have disease, they’re closed down. It’s that simple.”
To the Las Vegas mayor, it should be the choice of the individual whether they enter a restaurant or casino or hotel.
"It's up to us as individuals to make the choice," Goodman said. "Do I want to stay home and quarantine and not go out?"
Comments spark backlash
Annette Magnus, executive director of Battle Born Progress, said reopening too soon would endanger casino workers' lives and called Goodman’s statements “not only foolish and ignorant but insulting to the working families who drive Nevada’s economy.”
“In spite of having no jurisdiction over the casinos comprising the Las Vegas Strip, she suggested sacrificing the health and lives of casino workers as a demented experiment to test the veracity of the disease,” Magnus said.
Elected officials and celebrities also chimed in, with Las Vegas' Ward 1 Councilman Brian Knudsen taking to Twitter on Wednesday to condemn the mayor's stance.
"We all want Las Vegas to reopen," he said, "but I strongly disagree with Mayor Goodman's comments today."
We all want the @CityofLasVegas to reopen, but I strongly disagree with Mayor Goodman’s comments today. We need to act responsibly and in concert with the @CDCGov’s guidelines to protect our most vulnerable and mitigate the risk of the resurgence of #COVID19 in our community. pic.twitter.com/VQ9Al8j2hy — Brian Knudsen (@BrianforLV) April 22, 2020
Responding to Goodman's interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper – in which she reiterated calls to reopen and called the host an "alarmist" – Las Vegas native and late night talk show celebrity Jimmy Kimmel called for Goodman to step down.
The @mayoroflasvegas Carolyn Goodman should resign before lunch arrives today. She is an embarrassment to my hometown. — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) April 22, 2020
Sisolak, asked last week if he had any rebuttal to Goodman's statement calling the closure "insanity," said at a news briefing that, "I heard some of the comments. I’m not going to respond to those comments or attacks on me."
Most Americans disagree with Goodman
A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that majority of Americans say it won’t be safe to lift social distancing guidelines anytime soon, running counter to the choice of a handful of governors who have announced plans to ease within days the public health efforts that have upended daily life and roiled the global economy.
The country largely believes restrictions on social interaction to curb the spread of the virus are appropriate.
Only 12% of Americans say the measures where they live go too far. About twice as many people, 26%, believe the limits don’t go far enough.
Watch: From 6 to 95 years old, these are survivors of coronavirus
Vegas shutdown: Trump says he's 'OK' with Las Vegas shutdown after mayor calls it 'total insanity'
About 8 in 10 Americans say they support measures that include requiring Americans to stay in their homes and limiting gatherings to 10 people or fewer – numbers that have largely held steady over the past few weeks.
Trump 'OK' with Vegas shutdown
After Goodman called the shutdown "total insanity," President Donald Trump said he's "OK" with Nevada's closure of nonessential businesses, which has shuttered Las Vegas casinos.
Speaking at Sunday's daily White House briefing, Trump gave qualified support to Sisolak's closure amid the coronavirus pandemic, even though the move has shut his own Trump International Hotel Las Vegas.
"They closed a big hotel down in Nevada that I have in Las Vegas. It’s a very severe step he took. I’m OK with it," Trump said. "But you could call that one either way."
The known number of Nevadans with COVID-19 crested 4,000 on Wednesday, reaching a high of 4,081 cases statewide, according to the Nevada Health Alliance. The number of deaths from the virus hit 172.
Despite the escalating numbers, Goodman has remained focused on reopening.
"This shutdown has become one of total insanity, in my opinion," Goodman said last week, adding, "There is no backup of data as to why we are shut down from the start, no plan in place how to move through the shutdown or how even to come out of it."
Trump was asked point-blank whether he supported the governor or the mayor's opposing viewpoint on Las Vegas' closure as a public safety measure. Trump said he was staying out of the decision.
"I’m not involved with that. I could be if I wanted to," he said. "I know the mayor is very upset with it. Some (hotel and casino) owners are very upset with it. Some of the developers out there are upset. Others say, ‘Hey, we have to get rid of it.’ I can see both sides of that."
Follow Ed Komenda on Twitter: @ejkomenda. Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-04-22--Newsom: 86 new COVID-19 test sites to open in California; 16,000 tests being done a day

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he is expanding efforts to reach underserved communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic by opening 86 new testing sites to ensure more equitable access across the state .
Officials have identified `` testing deserts , '' or communities that may struggle to access COVID-19 tests , including rural and remote parts of the state , and areas in urban centers which are predominantly black and Latino communities .
He did not specify the exact locations or when they would open , but that they would be strategically placed to address equal access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first of what will become a weekly update on California 's response to and recovery from the crisis , meant to detail progress on a six-indicator framework Newsom outlined last week for how and when to transition back to normalcy .
He will continue daily news briefings , and but will devote Wednesdays to the framework .
Testing , tracing and isolating hot spots , are among the most important aspects of that plan , he said , and a key indicator for when he can safely begin to modify his statewide stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more than a month .
More : Coronavirus : Newsom announces economic task force with four former California governors '' We have tried to make it crystal clear that there is no light switch and there is no date , '' he said , adding that decisions are driven by evidence , not ideology .
`` The clarity we are providing today , '' he added , `` is the clarity of indicators that drive that decision-making . ''
For now , Newsom said , the social distancing orders must remain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past that we wo n't just reopen things , '' he said .
`` We will open and modify how we conduct our business . ''
Along with opening the 86 new sites , Newsom said Californiais on track to reach the stated goal of 25,000 tests conducted per day by the end of the month .
Already , 465,227 people have been tested in the state , and `` that number is still inadequate to meet the needs , '' Newsom said .
California has nearly 40 million people .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
In March , roughly 2,000 tests were conducted per day , on average .
This week , there were an average of 16,000 tests conducted per day .
`` Our goal is north of 60,000 tests a day , '' Newsom added .
`` That is a phase one goal — a short-term goal . ''
However , supply chain issues in California are making it difficult to quickly expand testing capacity , especially when it comes to the swabs needed to take samples .
Newsom said the federal government had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swabs this week and 250,000 next week .
Newsom also shared that officials are working to `` build an army of tracers , '' who will trace newly infected individuals — and who they came into contact with — to isolate potential hotspots and new outbreak areas .
Details are still scant on the project , but Newsom said the state is in the process of creating an online academy and asking counties about their tracing capacity .
Newsom said the ultimate goal is to train 10,000 people to conduct the tracing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't a new idea — it was used to tamper previous outbreaks like SARS , and Ebola , and to battle other infectious diseases including sexually transmitted diseases .
Other countries have relied on testing and tracing to keep their economies open amid the threat of new outbreaks , including South Korea , where there are now no lockdown orders in place .
The country is being looked at as a model for leaders as they navigate the delicate transition away from strict social distancing .
In South Korea , officials were able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale , which helped ensure treatment and isolation was swift .
But the country also relied on technology to track movements and interactions .
Using data from police databases , credit card companies , and telecommunications providers , South Korean officials built a contact tracing system that adeptly tracks the movements of COVID-19 infected individuals .
It 's unlikely that California would roll out an identical model , but Newsom has identified tracing as an essential step toward reopening the economy .
South Korea 's system has enabled the country 's residents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at bars , and more or less return to the lives they had before the crisis .
More : California legislators demand more answers about spending on COVID-19 response While the governor emphasized that he is not yet able to give residents a sense of a timeline for reopening the state , he announced that he was ready to lift restrictions on scheduled surgeries .
Those procedures had been postponed in order to reduce the burden on hospitals in the event of a huge surge of coronavirus patients .
The easing of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is intended to help those who have serious medical needs .
“ We are working with our health directors throughout our healthcare delivery system to get these surgeries up and running again , '' Newsom said , noting tumor and heart valve surgeries as examples .
This is the first modification to the statewide social distancing orders that have been in place over the last month , and comes a week after his announcement of a framework for reopening the state .
Newsom said he hopes to continue easing orders in `` different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our society '' in the weeks to come .
But , he warned , progress depends on continued stabilization of new COVID-19cases , hospitalizations , intensive care needs , and the daily death toll .
`` If we pull back too soon , those announcements will not be forthcoming , '' he said , and would not do justice to the work Californians have already done to flatten the curve .
For now , he concluded as he often does : `` Stay home , stay healthy and stay connected . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USA Today Network .
You can reach her at gcanon @ gannett.com or on Twitter @ GabrielleCanon .

Newsom: 86 new COVID-19 test sites to open in California; 16,000 tests being done a day
Show Caption Hide Caption Gov. Newsom details plan to reopen California California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a detailed plan for lifting virus restrictions. AP
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that he is expanding efforts to reach underserved communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic by opening 86 new testing sites to ensure more equitable access across the state.
Officials have identified "testing deserts," or communities that may struggle to access COVID-19 tests, including rural and remote parts of the state, and areas in urban centers which are predominantly black and Latino communities. He did not specify the exact locations or when they would open, but that they would be strategically placed to address equal access.
The Wednesday news briefing was the first of what will become a weekly update on California's response to and recovery from the crisis, meant to detail progress on a six-indicator framework Newsom outlined last week for how and when to transition back to normalcy. He will continue daily news briefings, and but will devote Wednesdays to the framework.
Testing, tracing and isolating hot spots, are among the most important aspects of that plan, he said, and a key indicator for when he can safely begin to modify his statewide stay-at-home orders that have now been in place for more than a month.
More: Coronavirus: Newsom announces economic task force with four former California governors
"We have tried to make it crystal clear that there is no light switch and there is no date," he said, adding that decisions are driven by evidence, not ideology.
"The clarity we are providing today," he added, "is the clarity of indicators that drive that decision-making."
For now, Newsom said, the social distancing orders must remain.
"I have made it clear in the past that we won't just reopen things," he said. "We will open and modify how we conduct our business."
California conducting 16,000 tests per day
Along with opening the 86 new sites, Newsom said California is on track to reach the stated goal of 25,000 tests conducted per day by the end of the month. Already, 465,227 people have been tested in the state, and "that number is still inadequate to meet the needs," Newsom said. California has nearly 40 million people.
But some progress has been made, he said. In March, roughly 2,000 tests were conducted per day, on average. This week, there were an average of 16,000 tests conducted per day.
"Our goal is north of 60,000 tests a day," Newsom added. "That is a phase one goal — a short-term goal."
However, supply chain issues in California are making it difficult to quickly expand testing capacity, especially when it comes to the swabs needed to take samples. Newsom said the federal government had stepped up to help, promising 100,000 swabs this week and 250,000 next week.
Newsom also shared that officials are working to "build an army of tracers," who will trace newly infected individuals — and who they came into contact with — to isolate potential hotspots and new outbreak areas.
Details are still scant on the project, but Newsom said the state is in the process of creating an online academy and asking counties about their tracing capacity. Newsom said the ultimate goal is to train 10,000 people to conduct the tracing in the coming weeks.
Contact tracing isn't a new idea — it was used to tamper previous outbreaks like SARS, and Ebola, and to battle other infectious diseases including sexually transmitted diseases.
Other countries have relied on testing and tracing to keep their economies open amid the threat of new outbreaks, including South Korea, where there are now no lockdown orders in place. The country is being looked at as a model for leaders as they navigate the delicate transition away from strict social distancing.
In South Korea, officials were able to test at a much more massive scale, which helped ensure treatment and isolation was swift. But the country also relied on technology to track movements and interactions.
Using data from police databases, credit card companies, and telecommunications providers, South Korean officials built a contact tracing system that adeptly tracks the movements of COVID-19 infected individuals.
It's unlikely that California would roll out an identical model, but Newsom has identified tracing as an essential step toward reopening the economy. South Korea's system has enabled the country's residents to go back to work, meet up at bars, and more or less return to the lives they had before the crisis.
More: California legislators demand more answers about spending on COVID-19 response
Newsom eases some medical restrictions
While the governor emphasized that he is not yet able to give residents a sense of a timeline for reopening the state, he announced that he was ready to lift restrictions on scheduled surgeries. Those procedures had been postponed in order to reduce the burden on hospitals in the event of a huge surge of coronavirus patients.
The easing of this order does not include cosmetic procedures but is intended to help those who have serious medical needs.
“We are working with our health directors throughout our healthcare delivery system to get these surgeries up and running again," Newsom said, noting tumor and heart valve surgeries as examples.
This is the first modification to the statewide social distancing orders that have been in place over the last month, and comes a week after his announcement of a framework for reopening the state. Newsom said he hopes to continue easing orders in "different sectors of our economy and different sectors of our society" in the weeks to come.
But, he warned, progress depends on continued stabilization of new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, intensive care needs, and the daily death toll.
"If we pull back too soon, those announcements will not be forthcoming," he said, and would not do justice to the work Californians have already done to flatten the curve.
For now, he concluded as he often does: "Stay home, stay healthy and stay connected."
Gabrielle Canon is a California reporter for the USA Today Network. You can reach her at gcanon@gannett.com or on Twitter @GabrielleCanon.


usatoday--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: McConnell says he supports states using 'bankruptcy route' over federal assistance

WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Wednesday that state governments should be able to “ use the bankruptcy route ” to deal with economic losses from the coronavirus pandemic .
In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt , McConnell said additional federal assistance to local and state governments needed to be `` thoroughly evaluated , '' while expressing concern about adding more money to the national debt in a way `` that could indeed also threaten the future of the country . ''
More : CDC Director Redfield warns second coronavirus wave could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time as flu '' I would certainly be in favor of allowing states to use the bankruptcy route .
It saves some cities .
And there ’ s no good reason for it not to be available , '' McConnell said .
`` My guess is their first choice would be for the federal government to borrow money from future generations to send it down to them now so they don ’ t have to do that .
That ’ s not something I ’ m going to be in favor of .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have the ability to declare bankruptcy .
The $ 2.3 trillion federal CARES Act , passed in March , issued $ 150 billion to local and state governments exclusively to cover COVID-19 .
However , states and local governments hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic have pleaded for more federal assistance to help them provide essential services .
Coronavirus : Missouri becomes first state to sue China over 'an appalling campaign of deceit' On Tuesday , the National Governors Association sent a letter to McConnell and other congressional leaders saying state 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500 billion `` in direct federal aid that allows for replacement of lost revenue . ''
McConnell noted he blocked additional local and state aid in the nearly half-trillion-dollar measure passed Tuesday by the Senate that would revive a program geared to keep small businesses from shuttering and their employees from going on unemployment because of the economic impacts of the coronavirus .
“ I said yesterday we ’ re going to push the pause button here , because I think this whole business of additional assistance for state and local governments needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` [ W ] e ’ re not ready to just send a blank check down to states and local governments to spend any way they choose to . ''
States could be a focal point for the next stimulus package Congress will negotiate on .
Both President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said this week that they expect aid to state governments to be part of that .

Coronavirus: McConnell says he supports states using 'bankruptcy route' over federal assistance
Show Caption Hide Caption The third coronavirus stimulus deal reaches trillions of dollars . A third coronavirus stimulus package was announced by the Senate, reaching $2 trillion and including direct payments to individuals and hospitals. Alexis Arnold, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Wednesday that state governments should be able to “use the bankruptcy route” to deal with economic losses from the coronavirus pandemic.
In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, McConnell said additional federal assistance to local and state governments needed to be "thoroughly evaluated," while expressing concern about adding more money to the national debt in a way "that could indeed also threaten the future of the country."
More: CDC Director Redfield warns second coronavirus wave could be 'more difficult,' hit same time as flu
"I would certainly be in favor of allowing states to use the bankruptcy route. It saves some cities. And there’s no good reason for it not to be available," McConnell said. "My guess is their first choice would be for the federal government to borrow money from future generations to send it down to them now so they don’t have to do that. That’s not something I’m going to be in favor of."
Under current laws, states do not have the ability to declare bankruptcy. The $2.3 trillion federal CARES Act, passed in March, issued $150 billion to local and state governments exclusively to cover COVID-19. However, states and local governments hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic have pleaded for more federal assistance to help them provide essential services.
Coronavirus: Missouri becomes first state to sue China over 'an appalling campaign of deceit'
On Tuesday, the National Governors Association sent a letter to McConnell and other congressional leaders saying state's needed Congress to approve an additional $500 billion "in direct federal aid that allows for replacement of lost revenue."
McConnell noted he blocked additional local and state aid in the nearly half-trillion-dollar measure passed Tuesday by the Senate that would revive a program geared to keep small businesses from shuttering and their employees from going on unemployment because of the economic impacts of the coronavirus.
More: Senate approves measure to replenish halted coronavirus small-business loan program
“I said yesterday we’re going to push the pause button here, because I think this whole business of additional assistance for state and local governments needs to be thoroughly evaluated,” McConnell said. "[W]e’re not ready to just send a blank check down to states and local governments to spend any way they choose to."
States could be a focal point for the next stimulus package Congress will negotiate on. Both President Donald Trump and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said this week that they expect aid to state governments to be part of that.
Contributing: Christal Hayes, Michael Collins


usatoday--2020-04-22--Critics go after Trump for saying US would 'shoot down' aggressive Iranian boats

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump lobbed another threat at Iran on Wednesday , vowing to destroy any Iranian gunboats that `` harass '' U.S. vessels .
`` I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea , '' he tweeted .
For Trump , it was another threat in a feud that brought the two countries to the brink of war earlier this year .
But for some of the president 's critics , it was the idea of shooting down a boat that caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that boats float on the water rather than fly in the air .
`` After this , we ’ ll sink their planes ! ''
tweeted Princeton historian Kevin Kruse .
`` Are we 'shooting down ' the flying boats ? ''
tweeted Frank Figliuzzi , a former FBI assistant director .
Others said Trump was trying to distract people from his administration 's struggle to contain the coronavirus pandemic .
Joe Lockhart , former press secretary to President Bill Clinton , said it would be illegal to fire at ships based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat `` does show how desperate the @ realDonaldTrump is to distract from the pandemic . ''
The White House had no comment on Trump 's tweet .
Trump 's threat to Iran – the latest in a series – came a week after the nation said it is stepping up patrols in the Persian Gulf .
The U.S. Navy reported that 11 Iranian ships approached their vessels in a `` harassing '' manner .
Tensions between the United States and Iran have been particularly high since Trump pulled out of the Iranian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's fragile economy .
And , like the United States , Iran has been hit hard by the deadly coronavirus .
Trump and his aides have accused Iran-backed interests of attacking U.S. troops in neighboring Iraq and harassing American ships in the gulf .
More : Trump crisis mismanagement on full display with roll of dice on Iran , Iraq and Suleimani More : Exclusive : Americans say Soleimani 's killing made US less safe , Trump 'reckless ' on Iran In early January , Trump authorized a drone strike that killed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retaliatory strike on U.S. troops .
On April 1 , Trump said Iran and groups backing it were planning a `` sneak attack '' on U.S. troops in Iraq , and he threatened that the Iranians would `` pay a very heavy price '' if they carried it out .
There have also been interludes of diplomacy , such as when Trump said he would help Iran fight the effects of the coronavirus if it asked .
Then there are days like Wednesday , as social media lit up with critics and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump thinks the Iranians have flying boats that he can shoot down , '' tweeted the Palmer Report , an account that focuses on political analysis .
Trump supporters , meanwhile , focused on the president 's pledge to `` destroy '' Iranian gunboats if necessary and praised the president for standing up to the threats emanating from Tehran .
`` President Trump has changed the Navy 's rules of engagement at sea , ordering @ USNavy to destroy # Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships , '' said Twitter user Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naval aggression by # Iran in international waters .
Praying it does n't lead to further escalation . ''

Critics go after Trump for saying US would 'shoot down' aggressive Iranian boats
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: US would help Iran, North Korea fight virus President Trump said the United States is working with more than 140 countries to fight the coronavirus and that it's willing to help Iran and North Korea. (March 23) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump lobbed another threat at Iran on Wednesday, vowing to destroy any Iranian gunboats that "harass" U.S. vessels.
"I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea," he tweeted.
For Trump, it was another threat in a feud that brought the two countries to the brink of war earlier this year. But for some of the president's critics, it was the idea of shooting down a boat that caught their attention. They quickly pointed out that boats float on the water rather than fly in the air.
"After this, we’ll sink their planes!" tweeted Princeton historian Kevin Kruse.
"Are we 'shooting down' the flying boats?" tweeted Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director.
Others said Trump was trying to distract people from his administration's struggle to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Joe Lockhart, former press secretary to President Bill Clinton, said it would be illegal to fire at ships based on "mere harassment," and the threat "does show how desperate the @realDonaldTrump is to distract from the pandemic."
I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2020
The White House had no comment on Trump's tweet.
Trump's threat to Iran – the latest in a series – came a week after the nation said it is stepping up patrols in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. Navy reported that 11 Iranian ships approached their vessels in a "harassing" manner.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have been particularly high since Trump pulled out of the Iranian nuclear agreement and spiked sanctions on Tehran's fragile economy. And, like the United States, Iran has been hit hard by the deadly coronavirus.
Trump and his aides have accused Iran-backed interests of attacking U.S. troops in neighboring Iraq and harassing American ships in the gulf.
More: Trump crisis mismanagement on full display with roll of dice on Iran, Iraq and Suleimani
More: Exclusive: Americans say Soleimani's killing made US less safe, Trump 'reckless' on Iran
In early January, Trump authorized a drone strike that killed a top Iranian general, leading to a retaliatory strike on U.S. troops.
On April 1, Trump said Iran and groups backing it were planning a "sneak attack" on U.S. troops in Iraq, and he threatened that the Iranians would "pay a very heavy price" if they carried it out.
There have also been interludes of diplomacy, such as when Trump said he would help Iran fight the effects of the coronavirus if it asked.
Then there are days like Wednesday, as social media lit up with critics and the idea of shooting down boats.
"Trump thinks the Iranians have flying boats that he can shoot down," tweeted the Palmer Report, an account that focuses on political analysis.
Trump supporters, meanwhile, focused on the president's pledge to "destroy" Iranian gunboats if necessary and praised the president for standing up to the threats emanating from Tehran.
"President Trump has changed the Navy's rules of engagement at sea, ordering @USNavy to destroy #Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships," said Twitter user Joe Chenelly. "Hopeful this deters further naval aggression by #Iran in international waters. Praying it doesn't lead to further escalation."


usatoday--2020-04-22--Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo agree to speed up virus testing after 'productive' meeting

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo made nice after an Oval Office meeting Tuesday , pledging to work together on the issue that has divided the White House and many of the nation 's governors : More coronavirus testing .
Cuomo called the meeting `` functional and effective , '' while Trump described it as a `` very productive '' session in which he and the governor signed off on a plan to double testing in New York over the next few weeks .
`` We hope that this model will work with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters at the White House .
Speaking with MSNBC about the meeting with Trump , Cuomo said : `` For me , the substance of the agenda was testing – who does what , how do we get up to scale . ''
The governor described the president as `` inquisitive '' about New York 's timeline for reopening but said Trump did not attempt to impose a deadline for that milestone .
“ He never editorialized on what he thought was an appropriate timeline , ” Cuomo told MSNBC .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospects of aid for New York in a future federal stimulus package .
Cuomo told MSNBC that a Navy hospital ship sent to New York City to help fight the coronavirus is no longer needed , `` so if they need to deploy that somewhere else , they should take it.
” The unusual visit from Cuomo , which the president announced a day earlier , came as the Empire State works to pull out of its particularly deadly bout with the virus .
Trump and Cuomo , a Democrat , have lurched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closely watched news conferences during the health crisis .
`` What does testing mean , and how do we do it , and how can the federal government work in partnership with states ?
” Cuomo askedreporters before heading to Washington , D.C. , for his meeting at the White House .
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States , Trump and Cuomo have taken turns praising and attacking each other over their responses on issues like testing , production of ventilators , and supplies of masks , gloves , and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times argued the federal government must do far more , and at other times has thanked Trump for the administration 's effort .
During his White House briefings , Trump often cites Cuomo 's praise while ignoring his criticism .
During a news briefing On Sunday , for instance , the president played a series of videos in which the New York governor praised Trump and his team .
But Trump has been dismissive of concerns raised by governors of both parties that states do not have enough testing capacity to begin reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicated he would like to see happen sooner rather than later .
The president , and public health officials in his administration , say states have more testing capacity than they realize .
Asked why Cuomo was visiting the White House , Trump said , `` we get along , OK ? ''
The president then noted the governor 's `` generous '' praise of his team .
`` I appreciated it because it 's not about me , it 's about these people and thousands '' of others involved in the response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting on Thursday , Cuomo told reporters he would tell Trump `` the truth , '' both good and bad , about the administration 's response to coronavirus .
He added that Trump `` has no problem telling me when he disagrees , and he tells me when he agrees ...
I have no problem telling him when I disagree and when I agree . ''
At times , Cuomo has attacked the Trump administration for the slow delivery of necessary supplies .
Trump , meanwhile , has said Cuomo and other governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ origins : WHO says the virus came from an animal , not made in a lab Trump hascriticized Cuomo by name over the governor 's claim New York needed 30,000 to 40,000 ventilators to meet the expected increase in coronavirus patients .
Trump said the request was too high .
Now Trump and other governors are arguing over testing .
The president said the federal government can help , but the governors are in charge of obtaining testing kits for their constituents .
`` The federal government has already made immense testing capabilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action to fully utilize it , '' Trump said .
Cuomo said New York and other states have struggled to line up supply chains for test kits and need more assistance from the federal government .
“ You shouldn ’ t expect all these governors to run around and do an international supply chain while they ’ re trying to put together their testing protocol in their state , coordinating their labs , ” Cuomo said .
Trump and Cuomo : Trump and Andrew Cuomo clash over who has power to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also differed on when states should reopen their economies , and whether the president hasthe authority to make those decisions .
Trump has claimed , without citing evidence , he has the authority but governors and constitutional scholars say it is a state power .

Donald Trump, Andrew Cuomo agree to speed up virus testing after 'productive' meeting
Show Caption Hide Caption Cuomo: Trump, 'get to work' help NY with tests Gov. Andrew Cuomo argued New York's efforts to ramp up testing and restart its outbreak-crippled economy will fall woefully short without federal help, while President Donald Trump said the governor should stop complaining and start working. (April 17) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made nice after an Oval Office meeting Tuesday, pledging to work together on the issue that has divided the White House and many of the nation's governors: More coronavirus testing.
Cuomo called the meeting "functional and effective," while Trump described it as a "very productive" session in which he and the governor signed off on a plan to double testing in New York over the next few weeks.
"We hope that this model will work with the other states as well," Trump told reporters at the White House.
Speaking with MSNBC about the meeting with Trump, Cuomo said: "For me, the substance of the agenda was testing – who does what, how do we get up to scale."
The governor described the president as "inquisitive" about New York's timeline for reopening but said Trump did not attempt to impose a deadline for that milestone.
“He never editorialized on what he thought was an appropriate timeline,” Cuomo told MSNBC.
Trump and Cuomo also said they discussed the prospects of aid for New York in a future federal stimulus package. Cuomo told MSNBC that a Navy hospital ship sent to New York City to help fight the coronavirus is no longer needed, "so if they need to deploy that somewhere else, they should take it.”
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The unusual visit from Cuomo, which the president announced a day earlier, came as the Empire State works to pull out of its particularly deadly bout with the virus. Trump and Cuomo, a Democrat, have lurched between slamming and applauding each other in closely watched news conferences during the health crisis.
"What does testing mean, and how do we do it, and how can the federal government work in partnership with states?” Cuomo asked reporters before heading to Washington, D.C., for his meeting at the White House.
Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States, Trump and Cuomo have taken turns praising and attacking each other over their responses on issues like testing, production of ventilators, and supplies of masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment. Cuomo has at times argued the federal government must do far more, and at other times has thanked Trump for the administration's effort.
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During his White House briefings, Trump often cites Cuomo's praise while ignoring his criticism. During a news briefing On Sunday, for instance, the president played a series of videos in which the New York governor praised Trump and his team.
But Trump has been dismissive of concerns raised by governors of both parties that states do not have enough testing capacity to begin reopening their economies – something the president has indicated he would like to see happen sooner rather than later. The president, and public health officials in his administration, say states have more testing capacity than they realize.
Asked why Cuomo was visiting the White House, Trump said, "we get along, OK?" The president then noted the governor's "generous" praise of his team.
"I appreciated it because it's not about me, it's about these people and thousands" of others involved in the response, Trump said.
Hours before the meeting on Thursday, Cuomo told reporters he would tell Trump "the truth," both good and bad, about the administration's response to coronavirus.
He added that Trump "has no problem telling me when he disagrees, and he tells me when he agrees ... I have no problem telling him when I disagree and when I agree."
At times, Cuomo has attacked the Trump administration for the slow delivery of necessary supplies. Trump, meanwhile, has said Cuomo and other governors have requested too much equipment.
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Trump has criticized Cuomo by name over the governor's claim New York needed 30,000 to 40,000 ventilators to meet the expected increase in coronavirus patients. Trump said the request was too high.
Now Trump and other governors are arguing over testing. The president said the federal government can help, but the governors are in charge of obtaining testing kits for their constituents.
"The federal government has already made immense testing capabilities available, but some states need to take action to fully utilize it," Trump said.
Cuomo said New York and other states have struggled to line up supply chains for test kits and need more assistance from the federal government.
“You shouldn’t expect all these governors to run around and do an international supply chain while they’re trying to put together their testing protocol in their state, coordinating their labs,” Cuomo said.
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Trump and Cuomo have also differed on when states should reopen their economies, and whether the president has the authority to make those decisions. Trump has claimed, without citing evidence, he has the authority but governors and constitutional scholars say it is a state power.
President Donald Trump claims authority over states When asked about states' rights to decide when to reopen schools and businesses, Trump said, "The president of the United States calls the shots." USA TODAY
Contributing: John Fritze