usatoday--2020-05-21--Trump to order US flags lowered to honor coronavirus victims as death toll approaches 100,000

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Thursday he will order U.S. flags to be lowered over federal buildings to honor those who have died from the coronavirus .
The order , which Trump said would continue into the Memorial Day weekend , comes as the nation approaches 100,000 deaths from the virus .
Flags traditionally fly at half staff on Memorial Day to honor the nation 's fallen members of the military .
`` I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump tweeted Thursday .
`` On Monday , the flags will be at half-staff in honor of the men and women in our Military who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Nation . ''
Trump 's decision came hours after congressional Democrats sent a letter requesting that the flags be lowered when the coronavirus death toll hits 100,000 .
`` As we pay our respects to them , sadly , our country mourns the deaths of nearly 100,000 Americans from COVID-19 .
Our hearts are broken over this great loss and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y. , wrote in the letter .
Trump is expected to visit Baltimore 's Fort McHenry on Memorial Day .
More than 94,000 Americans have died of the virus as of Thursday evening , according to Johns Hopkins University .
More than 1.5 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed in the country .
The global death toll almost has surpassed 330,000 .

Trump to order US flags lowered to honor coronavirus victims as death toll approaches 100,000
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump will reportedly not unveil Obama's White House portrait Former President Barack Obama has "no interest" in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump is in office, a report says. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Thursday he will order U.S. flags to be lowered over federal buildings to honor those who have died from the coronavirus.
The order, which Trump said would continue into the Memorial Day weekend, comes as the nation approaches 100,000 deaths from the virus. Flags traditionally fly at half staff on Memorial Day to honor the nation's fallen members of the military.
"I will be lowering the flags on all Federal Buildings and National Monuments to half-staff over the next three days in memory of the Americans we have lost to the CoronaVirus," Trump tweeted Thursday. "On Monday, the flags will be at half-staff in honor of the men and women in our Military who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice for our Nation."
Trump's decision came hours after congressional Democrats sent a letter requesting that the flags be lowered when the coronavirus death toll hits 100,000.
"As we pay our respects to them, sadly, our country mourns the deaths of nearly 100,000 Americans from COVID-19. Our hearts are broken over this great loss and our prayers are with their families," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., wrote in the letter.
Trump is expected to visit Baltimore's Fort McHenry on Memorial Day.
More than 94,000 Americans have died of the virus as of Thursday evening, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 1.5 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed in the country. The global death toll almost has surpassed 330,000.


usatoday--2020-05-21--Judge tosses Michigan lawmakers' suit over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's emergency powers

DETROIT – A judge has tossed a lawsuit filed by Republican lawmakers that challenged Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer 's use of emergency powers to lockdown the state amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Michigan Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens sided with the governor , a Democrat , in an opinion issued Thursday that ends the lawsuit .
Legal experts had said such an outcome was likely .
Republicans vowed to appeal the judge 's ruling .
The lawsuit , filed May 7 by the Republican-controlled state House and Senate , argued that Whitmer 's emergency orders , including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , were invalid because of a lack of statutory authority .
The judge declared that Whitmer 's actions were within her authority under the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945 and that the orders and restrictions on movement and commerce can stand .
The judge did side with the Republicans ' legal argument that Whitmer overstepped her power when citing a 1976 law , the Emergency Management Act , to re-declare a state of emergency in late April without support from the legislature .
Whitmer went too far , the judge said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28-day limit on how long a governor can act independently from the legislature .
But Whitmer ultimately still had authority and emergency powers under the 1945 law , the judge 's opinion says , so her executive orders for a lockdown still stand .
The older law sets no time limit on a state of emergency and makes no provision for legislative review .
The judge rejected Republicans ' arguments that the 1945 law should apply to local or regional emergencies and not statewide emergencies .
Whitmer has since eased up on some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sit-down restaurants , gyms , theaters and barbershops in most parts of the state must remain closed until at least May 29 .
`` Today ’ s decision recognizes that the governor ’ s actions to save lives are lawful and her orders remain in place , '' Whitmer said in a statement .
`` She will continue to do what she ’ s always done : take careful , decisive actions to protect Michiganders from this unprecedented , global pandemic . ''

Judge tosses Michigan lawmakers’ suit over Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's emergency powers
DETROIT – A judge has tossed a lawsuit filed by Republican lawmakers that challenged Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's use of emergency powers to lockdown the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Michigan Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens sided with the governor, a Democrat, in an opinion issued Thursday that ends the lawsuit.
Legal experts had said such an outcome was likely. Republicans vowed to appeal the judge's ruling.
The lawsuit, filed May 7 by the Republican-controlled state House and Senate, argued that Whitmer's emergency orders, including the stay-at-home order that runs through May 28, were invalid because of a lack of statutory authority.
Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan lawmakers sue governor over emergency powers
The judge declared that Whitmer's actions were within her authority under the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945 and that the orders and restrictions on movement and commerce can stand.
The judge did side with the Republicans' legal argument that Whitmer overstepped her power when citing a 1976 law, the Emergency Management Act, to re-declare a state of emergency in late April without support from the legislature.
Whitmer went too far, the judge said, because the 1976 law has a 28-day limit on how long a governor can act independently from the legislature.
But Whitmer ultimately still had authority and emergency powers under the 1945 law, the judge's opinion says, so her executive orders for a lockdown still stand. The older law sets no time limit on a state of emergency and makes no provision for legislative review.
The judge rejected Republicans' arguments that the 1945 law should apply to local or regional emergencies and not statewide emergencies.
Whitmer has since eased up on some lockdown restrictions, although businesses including bars, sit-down restaurants, gyms, theaters and barbershops in most parts of the state must remain closed until at least May 29.
"Today’s decision recognizes that the governor’s actions to save lives are lawful and her orders remain in place," Whitmer said in a statement. "She will continue to do what she’s always done: take careful, decisive actions to protect Michiganders from this unprecedented, global pandemic."
Follow JC Reindlat on Twitter: @jcreindl.


usatoday--2020-05-21--Wear a mask in public? Sure. Majority of Democrats, Republicans say they have, survey shows

WASHINGTON – Despite high-profile incidents of Americans refusing to wear face masks , an overwhelming majority of Americans say they have worn a face covering due to the coronavirus pandemic , according to a new survey .
More than four out of five Americans — 84 % — said they have worn a mask in public in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
And while reopening economies and wearing a mask have at times become partisan talking points , the vast majority of Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask in public .
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate .
Throughout the 2020 election cycle , the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates .
This survey was conducted between May 7 to 14 , with 4,576 Americans surveyed .
There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points .
Eighty-nine percent of Democrats and 81 % of Republicans say they have worn a mask in public , according to the survey .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with younger people having been slightly less likely to have worn a mask in public .
Roughly three out of four ( 78 % ) Americans ages 18 to 29 say they 've worn a face mask in public , while 90 % of Americans 65 and above say they have .
Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group , said that although there 's a narrative that there 's `` some sort of cultural war '' about wearing masks , the data does not show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sizable portion of the population who 's somehow violently opposed to this behavior that public health officials are advising just does n't seem to line up , '' he said .
Over the past several weeks , there have been several reports and viral videos of people refusing to wear face masks in public areas , such as stores and restaurants .
Earlier this month , security guard Calvin Munerlyn was fatally shot after turning away a customer for trying to enter a Family Dollar in Michigan without a mask .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police officer after an altercation with a Walmart employee who asked her to wear a mask in the store .
Most recently , a video of a verbal altercation between a Costco customer and employee in Colorado went viral after the customer was asked to leave the store because he was not wearing a mask .
More : The CDC says coronavirus 'does not spread easily ' on surfaces or objects .
Here 's what we know .
President Donald Trump has also declined to wear a mask in public .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain ( e.g.
, grocery stores and pharmacies ) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission . ''
Although there are some differences along demographic lines , the majorities of all groups have worn a mask in public , according to an analysis from Nationscape Insights , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA , and USA TODAY .
More : New nationwide study shows where Americans agree – and where Democrats differ headed into November But there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks when it comes to what activities they are willing to participate in if restrictions were lifted .
The biggest gap was between people who would and would not attend a professional sporting event .
Among people who said they would attend a sporting event if restrictions were lifted , 75 % said they had worn a mask in public .
But among those who said they would not attend a professional sporting event , 92 % said they have worn a mask in public .
The next largest gap came between those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those who would n't .
Of those who said they would go to a stadium concert , 76 % said they 've worn a face mask in public .
But among those who say they would not go to a stadium concert , 91 % said they 've worn a face mask in public .
Griffin said there is a clear relationship where the people most likely to wear a mask `` are also the folks who are going , 'hey , I 'm going to be more cautious about this even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not certain I 'll actually engage in them at all . '
`` Want to talk more about politics ?
: Join our Facebook group : ‘ Across the Aisle , Across the Nation .
’

Wear a mask in public? Sure. Majority of Democrats, Republicans say they have, survey shows
Show Caption Hide Caption Restaurants and bars reopened around the country drawing crowds Many restaurants and bars around the country reopened this past weekend, and they turned out to be very busy. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – Despite high-profile incidents of Americans refusing to wear face masks, an overwhelming majority of Americans say they have worn a face covering during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new survey.
More than four out of five Americans – 84% – say they have worn a mask in public in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project.
Although reopening economies and wearing a mask have become partisan talking points, the majority of Democrats and Republicans say they have worn a mask in public.
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate. Throughout the 2020 election cycle, the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates. This survey of 4,576 Americans was conducted May 7 to 14. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.
Eighty-nine percent of Democrats and 81% of Republicans say they have worn a mask in public, according to the survey. There is a small disparity among age groups: Younger people are slightly less likely to have worn a mask in public. Roughly three out of four (78%) Americans ages 18 to 29 say they've worn a face mask in public, and 90% of Americans 65 and older say they have.
Coronavirus live updates: US bets $1.2 billion on new vaccine
Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, said that although there's a narrative of "some sort of cultural war" about wearing masks, the data does not show that.
"The idea that there is a sizable portion of the population who's somehow violently opposed to this behavior that public health officials are advising just doesn't seem to line up," he said.
Over the past several weeks, there have been several reports and viral videos of people refusing to wear face masks in public areas, such as stores and restaurants.
This month, security guard Calvin Munerlyn was fatally shot after turning away a customer for trying to enter a Family Dollar in Michigan without a mask. A woman in Alabama was taken down by a police officer after an altercation with a Walmart employee who asked her to wear a mask in the store. Most recently, a video of a verbal altercation between a Costco customer and employee in Colorado went viral after the customer was asked to leave the store because he was not wearing a mask.
Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
More: The CDC says coronavirus 'does not spread easily' on surfaces or objects. Here's what we know.
President Donald Trump has also declined to wear a mask in public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends "wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission."
Although there are some differences along demographic lines, the majorities of all groups have worn a mask in public, according to an analysis from Nationscape Insights, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY.
More: New nationwide study shows where Americans agree – and where Democrats differ headed into November
There is a gap among people who have worn masks when it comes to what activities they are willing to participate in if restrictions were lifted.
The biggest gap is between people who would and would not attend a professional sporting event. Among people who say they would attend a sporting event if restrictions were lifted, 75% say they had worn a mask in public.
Among those who say they would not attend a professional sporting event, 92% say they have worn a mask in public.
The next largest gap comes between those who would go to a stadium concert and those who wouldn't.
Of those who say they would go to a stadium concert, 76% say they've worn a face mask in public. Among those who say they would not go to a stadium concert, 91% say they've worn a face mask in public.
Griffin said there is a clear relationship where the people most likely to wear a mask "are also the folks who are going, 'Hey, I'm going to be more cautious about this even if things do reopen, and I'm not certain I'll actually engage in them at all.' "
Want to talk more about politics? Join our Facebook group: ‘Across the Aisle, Across the Nation.’


usatoday--2020-05-21--Trump accuses Democratic governors of keeping lockdowns because of 'politics' as he visits Michigan

WASHINGTON – During a visit to the battleground state of Michigan on Thursday , President Donald Trump blasted Democratic governors who he said have been `` very resistant '' to lifting stay-at-home orders as the administration continues its aggressive push for states to reopen amid the coronavirus crisis .
The president traveled to Ypsilanti to tour a Ford Motor plant making ventilators needed to treat COVID-19 patients , where he insisted the country would rebound from the coronavirus pandemic , which has wrecked the U.S. economy and left millions jobless .
`` You have a lot of , unfortunately in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think they think it 's good politics to keep it closed , '' he told reporters when asked about reopening the economy .
`` I think they 're being forced to open , frankly .
The people want to get out .
You 'll break the country if you do n't . ''
Trump suggested that Democrats were looking ahead to the November election in determining their reopening plans .
`` I think they look at it as a possible November question .
It 's not a November question .
It happens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Before the president arrived in Michigan on Thursday , Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer said she is lifting portions of her stay-at-home orders and reopening more parts of Michigan 's economy .
Effective immediately , she said , people across Michigan are allowed to engage in social gatherings of no more than 10 people , which had been restricted , provided they wear face covering if in close spaces and try to maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more when around people they do n't live with .
Many retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but by appointment only for customers .
That did not include bars or in-house dining at restaurants .
Trump : 'We don ’ t want to have vote by mail' Trump doubled down on a threat to withhold relief funding from Michigan after erroneously accusing the state in a tweet Wednesday morning of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters .
State officials sent out applications for those who wish to request to vote by mail before its elections in August and November .
The president said voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but noted that there are exceptions , including if a voter is president or unable to cast a ballot in person because of illness or another reasonable excuse .
Trump voted by mail during Florida 's primary this year .
“ We don ’ t want to have vote by mail , ” Trump said .
“ Now , if you ’ re president of the United States and you live in Florida and you ’ re not able to be there , you should be able to send in a ballot.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what funding he threatened to withhold .
In an interview with `` CBS This Morning , '' Whitmer dismissed the president 's threat as `` ridiculous '' and a `` distraction . ''
More : Trump goes with his 'gut , ' outside advice on decision to medicate with hydroxychloroquine '' To have this kind of distraction is just ridiculous to be honest , '' the governor said .
`` The threatening to take money away from a state that is hurting as bad as we are right now is just scary and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unacceptable.
” As coronavirus cases and deaths decline in Michigan , the state faces a new crisis after dam failures in Midland triggered record flooding , forcing thousands to evacuate the region .
Trump and Whitmer spoke by phone Wednesday , and the president told reporters before he left the White House on Thursday that the federal government deployed members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in Michigan .
`` We have a very good understanding , '' he said of his call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president and other Republicans for imposing strict stay-at-home orders , which prompted anti-quarantine protests at the state Capitol last month .
Trump , who has sought to pressure governors into more aggressive reopenings to revive a booming economy key to his reelection , championed those protests as proof that Americans are eager to get back to work .
`` To protect the health of our people we must have a functioning economy , '' Trump said in remarks to Ford employees .
`` Americans who need and want to return to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be supported . ''
The first-term Michigan governor was thrust into the national spotlight in March when Trump dismissed her as `` the woman in Michigan '' and `` Gretchen 'Half ' Whitmer '' after she repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the pandemic .
More : Anti-quarantine protests , Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus Despite Republican pushback , Whitmer 's polls have jumped since the coronavirus pandemic unfolded .
A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week found 72 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic compared with 43 % who say Trump is doing a good job , although the survey sample was not large enough to distinguish partisan lines .
Last month , a Fox News poll found 64 % of registered voters approved of the Michigan governor 's virus response , including 90 % of Democrats compared with 35 % of Republicans .
“ We ’ ve made a lot of governors look very good , ” Trump said of the administration 's pandemic response during a listening session with African American leaders before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marks Trump ’ s third visit to a 2020 battleground state in as many weeks .
While the Trump campaign 's signature rallies are on pause , the president is looking to boost his political standing in a pivotal state that could help sway the election in his favor in the fall .
“ We got to get back to the rallies , ” Trump said during the tour .
“ I think it ’ s going to be sooner rather than later.
” Where coronavirus is n't : What 's kept cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

Trump accuses Democratic governors of keeping lockdowns because of 'politics' as he visits Michigan
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – During a visit to the battleground state of Michigan on Thursday, President Donald Trump blasted Democratic governors who he said have been "very resistant" to lifting stay-at-home orders as the administration continues its aggressive push for states to reopen amid the coronavirus crisis.
The president traveled to Ypsilanti to tour a Ford Motor plant making ventilators needed to treat COVID-19 patients, where he insisted the country would rebound from the coronavirus pandemic, which has wrecked the U.S. economy and left millions jobless.
"You have a lot of, unfortunately in this case, Democrat governors, I think they think it's good politics to keep it closed," he told reporters when asked about reopening the economy. "I think they're being forced to open, frankly. The people want to get out. You'll break the country if you don't."
Trump suggested that Democrats were looking ahead to the November election in determining their reopening plans.
"I think they look at it as a possible November question. It's not a November question. It happens to be very bad for them," he said.
Before the president arrived in Michigan on Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she is lifting portions of her stay-at-home orders and reopening more parts of Michigan's economy.
Whitmer: Northern Michigan begins reopening Friday Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says retail businesses in much of northern Michigan, including restaurants and bars, can reopen starting Friday, May 22. (May 18) AP
Effective immediately, she said, people across Michigan are allowed to engage in social gatherings of no more than 10 people, which had been restricted, provided they wear face covering if in close spaces and try to maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more when around people they don't live with.
Many retail businesses across the state can reopen Tuesday, but by appointment only for customers. That did not include bars or in-house dining at restaurants.
Trump: 'We don’t want to have vote by mail'
Trump doubled down on a threat to withhold relief funding from Michigan after erroneously accusing the state in a tweet Wednesday morning of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters. State officials sent out applications for those who wish to request to vote by mail before its elections in August and November.
The president said voting by mail is "wrought with abuse" but noted that there are exceptions, including if a voter is president or unable to cast a ballot in person because of illness or another reasonable excuse. Trump voted by mail during Florida's primary this year.
“We don’t want to have vote by mail,” Trump said. “Now, if you’re president of the United States and you live in Florida and you’re not able to be there, you should be able to send in a ballot.”
Trump declined to provide details about what funding he threatened to withhold.
In an interview with "CBS This Morning," Whitmer dismissed the president's threat as "ridiculous" and a "distraction."
More: Trump goes with his 'gut,' outside advice on decision to medicate with hydroxychloroquine
"To have this kind of distraction is just ridiculous to be honest," the governor said. "The threatening to take money away from a state that is hurting as bad as we are right now is just scary and, I think, something that is unacceptable.”
As coronavirus cases and deaths decline in Michigan, the state faces a new crisis after dam failures in Midland triggered record flooding, forcing thousands to evacuate the region.
Help for Michigan flood victims
Trump and Whitmer spoke by phone Wednesday, and the president told reporters before he left the White House on Thursday that the federal government deployed members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in Michigan.
"We have a very good understanding," he said of his call with Whitmer.
Whitmer has been targeted by the president and other Republicans for imposing strict stay-at-home orders, which prompted anti-quarantine protests at the state Capitol last month. Trump, who has sought to pressure governors into more aggressive reopenings to revive a booming economy key to his reelection, championed those protests as proof that Americans are eager to get back to work.
"To protect the health of our people we must have a functioning economy," Trump said in remarks to Ford employees. "Americans who need and want to return to work should not be vilified, they should be supported."
The first-term Michigan governor was thrust into the national spotlight in March when Trump dismissed her as "the woman in Michigan" and "Gretchen 'Half' Whitmer" after she repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the pandemic.
More: Anti-quarantine protests, Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus
Trump will reportedly not unveil Obama's White House portrait Former President Barack Obama has "no interest" in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump is in office, a report says. USA TODAY
Despite Republican pushback, Whitmer's polls have jumped since the coronavirus pandemic unfolded. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week found 72% of residents approve of Whitmer's response to the pandemic compared with 43% who say Trump is doing a good job, although the survey sample was not large enough to distinguish partisan lines. Last month, a Fox News poll found 64% of registered voters approved of the Michigan governor's virus response, including 90% of Democrats compared with 35% of Republicans.
“We’ve made a lot of governors look very good,” Trump said of the administration's pandemic response during a listening session with African American leaders before touring the Ford plant.
The trip marks Trump’s third visit to a 2020 battleground state in as many weeks. While the Trump campaign's signature rallies are on pause, the president is looking to boost his political standing in a pivotal state that could help sway the election in his favor in the fall.
“We got to get back to the rallies,” Trump said during the tour. “I think it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”
Where coronavirus isn't: What's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties?
Coronavirus prevention: Avoid the handshake when you greet people As coronavirus spreads, people are getting more cautious and creative with their social interactions. USA TODAY
Contributing: Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press


usatoday--2020-05-21--Michael Flynn was never 'masked' in transcript of calls with Russian ambassador, reports say

WASHINGTON – Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn 's identity was never `` masked '' in a report on his communication with the Russian ambassador , according to The Washington Post and Fox News .
President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill have pointed to the `` unmasking '' of Flynn , and subsequent leaking of his name to the news media , as evidence of a campaign by top members of former President Barack Obama 's White House to undermine the incoming administration .
But unnamed sources told Fox News and The Post that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from an unredacted transcript of his communication with then-Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak .
When a conversation by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a foreign individual who is being monitored is incidentally captured by an intelligence agency – usually the FBI or National Security Agency – their identity is normally kept hidden , or masked .
If an official thinks the identity of the U.S. citizen is important or relevant to the intelligence , he or she can request to have that person `` unmasked . ''
On May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Republican senators , acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified a list of Obama-era officials who asked to unmask Flynn , who was referred to an `` NSA intelligence report , '' between Nov. 8 , 2016 , and Jan. 31 , 2017 .
The list included former DNI chief James Clapper , former CIA Director John Brennan , Obama 's Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and former Vice President Joe Biden .
'Dishonest accusations ' : Susan Rice responds to allegations after email about Obama meeting on Flynn declassified Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sent a letter to Grenell and Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday asking if unmasking requests were made for other members of Trump 's campaign or transition team .
And Graham asked for `` an explanation as to why the list '' did n't `` contain a record showing who unmasked General Flynn 's phone call with Ambassador Kislyak . ''
Flynn 's Dec. 29 , 2016 phone calls with Kislyak first became public in a Jan. 12 , 2017 , column by The Washington Post 's David Ignatius , who cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Those conversations took place just after the Obama administration announced sanctions and the expulsion of Russian officials in retaliation for Russian election interference .
Then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence told CBS News three days later that Flynn assured him the sanctions were not discussed and the timing of the call `` was strictly coincidental . ''
But on Feb. 9 , The Post reported that Flynn had discussed the sanctions with Kislyak , and Flynn resigned on Feb. 13 , saying he had `` inadvertently briefed '' Pence `` with incomplete information regarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The next day , the White House said Trump had asked for Flynn 's resignation after losing trust in him .
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the phone call , though he later tried to withdraw that guilty plea .
The Justice Department under Barr has argued the FBI did not have `` a legitimate investigative basis '' to interview Flynn in the first place and asked for the case to be dismissed .
Most of those requests to unmask Flynn were made before the Dec. 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kislyak , meaning they were likely in response to other intelligence reports in which Flynn 's identity was masked .
The officials making the unmasking requests may not have known Flynn was the unidentified individual in those reports .
Trump has long accused Obama of unspecified crimes related to unsubstantiated allegations he `` spied '' on Trump 's campaign and opened the Russia investigation , which he calls a `` hoax , '' in order to weaken and discredit his administration .
He has revived those claims in recent weeks , decrying what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following Biden 's rise as his presumptive 2020 Democratic opponent and Obama 's increasing public criticisms of Trump .
But former Obama administration officials insist the investigation was conducted properly and that there was were legitimate reasons for concern that the Trump campaign might be colluding with Russians meddling in the 2016 election .
The FBI began its counterintelligence investigation into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government in July 2016 .
On Oct. 7 , 2016 , the U.S. intelligence community said in a statement that it was confident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dissemination of Democratic National Committee emails with the intent to `` interfere with the US election process . ''
The investigation was later handed to special counsel Robert Mueller whose team did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign , though it did find `` numerous links between the Russian government '' and the campaign , which `` expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts . ''
Timeline : The events that led to the inspector general 's report on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Warner of Virginia , the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee , sent Grenell a letter Wednesday requesting he explain why it was necessary to release the list of unmasking requests `` given the potential compromise to sources and methods . ''
He also asked Grenell to give the Intelligence Committee the reports in which Flynn was masked and to make public any report on his conversations with Kislyak .
`` Selective declassification for political purposes undermines the integrity of our system for protecting classified information , undermines the Intelligence Community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust in institutions critical to protecting the nation , '' Warner told Grenell .
Warner said unmasking was routine , with thousands of requests normally made every year .
This was no different during the Trump administration , he said .
In 2017 , 9,529 identities were unmasked , jumping to 16,721 in 2018 and 10,012 in 2019 , according to tWarner .
On Wednesday , interim Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio , R-Fla. , told Fox News it is `` really important that stuff '' like Flynn 's conversation with Kisltyak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public domain to further political narratives . ''
`` At the end of the day , elements of a phone call between Mr. Flynn and the Ambassador from Russia at the time were leaked to the press , '' Rubio said .
`` Someone broke the law .
Someone took that information , gave it to members of the press and broke the law . ''
Barr appointed Connecticut U.S. Attorney John Durham in May 2019 to investigate the origins of the Russia investigation .
On Monday , Barr said Obama and Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern over potential criminality is focused on others , '' Barr said .

Michael Flynn was never 'masked' in transcript of calls with Russian ambassador, reports say
Show Caption Hide Caption Explaining the 'unmasking' process in intelligence reports There is a common, legal process in intelligence agencies known as "unmasking," but more Americans are learning what it means in light of U.S. President Donald Trump making the term a major talking point. (May 15) AP
WASHINGTON – Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn's identity was never "masked" in a report on his communication with the Russian ambassador, according to The Washington Post and Fox News.
President Donald Trump and some of his Republican allies on Capitol Hill have pointed to the "unmasking" of Flynn, and subsequent leaking of his name to the news media, as evidence of a campaign by top members of former President Barack Obama's White House to undermine the incoming administration.
But unnamed sources told Fox News and The Post that Flynn's name was given to reporters from an unredacted transcript of his communication with then-Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak.
When a conversation by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a foreign individual who is being monitored is incidentally captured by an intelligence agency – usually the FBI or National Security Agency – their identity is normally kept hidden, or masked. If an official thinks the identity of the U.S. citizen is important or relevant to the intelligence, he or she can request to have that person "unmasked."
On May 13, in response to a request from Republican senators, acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell declassified a list of Obama-era officials who asked to unmask Flynn, who was referred to in an "NSA intelligence report," between Nov. 8, 2016, and Jan. 31, 2017. The list included former DNI chief James Clapper, former CIA Director John Brennan, Obama's Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and former Vice President Joe Biden.
'Dishonest accusations': Susan Rice responds to allegations after email about Obama meeting on Flynn declassified
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., sent a letter to Grenell and Attorney General William Barr on Tuesday asking if unmasking requests were made for other members of Trump's campaign or transition team. And Graham asked for "an explanation as to why the list" didn't "contain a record showing who unmasked General Flynn's phone call with Ambassador Kislyak."
Flynn's Dec. 29, 2016 phone calls with Kislyak first became public in a Jan. 12, 2017, column by The Washington Post's David Ignatius, who cited a "senior U.S. government official." Those conversations took place just after the Obama administration announced sanctions and the expulsion of Russian officials in retaliation for Russian election interference.
Then-Vice President-elect Mike Pence told CBS News three days later that Flynn assured him the sanctions were not discussed and the timing of the call "was strictly coincidental." But on Feb. 9, The Post reported that Flynn had discussed the sanctions with Kislyak, and Flynn resigned on Feb. 13, saying he had "inadvertently briefed" Pence "with incomplete information regarding my phone calls with the Russian Ambassador." The next day, the White House said Trump had asked for Flynn's resignation after losing trust in him.
Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about the phone calls, though he later tried to withdraw that guilty plea. The Justice Department under Barr has argued the FBI did not have "a legitimate investigative basis" to interview Flynn in the first place and asked for the case to be dismissed.
It was an intelligence report on those same Dec. 29, 2016 calls with Kislyak that contained Flynn's unredacted name.
Most of those requests to unmask Flynn were made before the Dec. 29 calls, meaning they were likely in response to other intelligence reports in which Flynn's identity was masked. The officials making the unmasking requests may not have known Flynn was the unidentified individual in those reports.
Trump has long accused Obama of unspecified crimes related to unsubstantiated allegations he "spied" on Trump's campaign and opened the Russia investigation, which he calls a "hoax," in order to weaken and discredit his administration. He has revived those claims in recent weeks, decrying what he refers to as "Obamagate" following Biden's rise as his presumptive 2020 Democratic opponent and Obama's increasing public criticisms of Trump.
But former Obama administration officials insist the investigation was conducted properly and that there was were legitimate reasons for concern that the Trump campaign might be colluding with Russians meddling in the 2016 election.
The FBI began its counterintelligence investigation into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government in July 2016. On Oct. 7, 2016, the U.S. intelligence community said in a statement that it was confident the Russian government was behind the theft and dissemination of Democratic National Committee emails with the intent to "interfere with the US election process."
The investigation was later handed to special counsel Robert Mueller whose team did not find evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign, though it did find "numerous links between the Russian government" and the campaign, which "expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts."
Timeline: The events that led to the inspector general's report on the origins of the Russia probe
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent Grenell a letter Wednesday requesting he explain why it was necessary to release the list of unmasking requests "given the potential compromise to sources and methods." He also asked Grenell to give the Intelligence Committee the reports in which Flynn was masked and to make public any report on his conversations with Kislyak.
"Selective declassification for political purposes undermines the integrity of our system for protecting classified information, undermines the Intelligence Community’s credibility, and erodes public trust in institutions critical to protecting the nation," Warner told Grenell.
Warner said unmasking was routine, with thousands of requests normally made every year. This was no different during the Trump administration, he said. In 2017, 9,529 identities were unmasked, jumping to 16,721 in 2018 and 10,012 in 2019, according to tWarner .
On Wednesday, interim Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told Fox News it is "really important that stuff" like Flynn's conversation with Kisltyak "not be put out in the public domain to further political narratives."
"At the end of the day, elements of a phone call between Mr. Flynn and the Ambassador from Russia at the time were leaked to the press," Rubio said. "Someone broke the law. Someone took that information, gave it to members of the press and broke the law."
Barr appointed Connecticut U.S. Attorney John Durham in May 2019 to investigate the origins of the Russia investigation. On Monday, Barr said Obama and Biden were not under investigation.
"Our concern over potential criminality is focused on others," Barr said.


usatoday--2020-05-21--Joe Biden blasts Trump ahead of Michigan visit, chastises him for threats to funding

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday criticized President Donald Trump for threatening to stop funding to Michigan amid the coronavirus pandemic and an unfolding disaster in Midland County .
`` In the wake of disaster , Donald Trump once again showed us who he is – threatening to pull federal funding and encouraging division , '' Biden said in a statement first given to the Free Press .
`` Michigan is in the fight of its life as it battles this pandemic and flooding disaster , and now more than ever , leadership and empathy matter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in response to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson 's plan to send out absentee ballot applications to every state voter as a way to boost turnout without encouraging in-person voting during the pandemic .
Biden , who won Michigan 's March 10 presidential primary and is the presumptive Democratic nominee to face Trump in the Nov. 3 general election , made the statement ahead of Trump 's visit on Thursday afternoon to a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti .
More : Trump threatens to stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been making ventilators as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic .
More than 5,000 people in Michigan have died from the virus .
Mid-Michigan is also dealing this week with devastating floods after heavy rainfall led to the breaching of two dams near Midland on Tuesday .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency and has asked for federal aid with some 10,000 people forced to evacuate because of the flooding .
Biden said he sympathized with the families impacted by the failures of the Edenville and Sanford dams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledged is on his list of possible vice presidential running mates — with declaring a state of emergency and deploying the National Guard .
`` In times of crisis , leaders don ’ t drag their feet and they don ’ t politicize – they spring to action to secure needed relief , '' Biden said .
Trump has said he has talked to Whitmer and is sending federal resources to Midland County to help with the flooding response .
He also expressed sympathy with those affected on Wednesday .
In his statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again criticized Trump 's response to the virus outbreak in the U.S. , calling it `` delayed , erratic and corrupt . ''
The Trump administration has been widely criticized for initially suggesting the outbreak might not be widespread and for not rolling out testing more quickly .
But the president and his allies have routinely defended their response , saying they have reacted swiftly to requests for supplies and medical help .
Biden said Trump and Republicans , however , have failed so far to provide enough help to states and workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Congress .
`` Right now , workers on the front lines of this pandemic are hurting .
More than 1 million Michiganders have filed for unemployment , and Donald Trump is doing everything he can to side with corporate executives over unions and workers , '' he said .
`` We also can ’ t forget that the toll of this pandemic has been especially tough on communities of color – exposing the dangerous consequences of inaction , injustice , and institutional racism . ''
`` It didn ’ t have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump and Republicans in Congress have so far resisted efforts to approve more funding for states and additional aid to workers .
The Trump administration , however , did say that as part of its visit to Ford 's plant on Thursday , it was meeting with African American community leaders to discuss the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on blacks .
In Michigan , 40 % of the deaths have been among African Americans , despite accounting for just 14 % of the state 's population .
Biden also reiterated his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of General Motors and Chrysler in 2009 , which many credited with keeping domestic automaking afloat during the last recession .
Trump won Michigan in 2016 by two-tenths of 1 % of the vote , becoming the first Republican to win the state since George H.W .
Bush in 1988 .
Contact Todd Spangler attspangler @ freepress.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ tsspangler .
Read more onMichigan politics and sign up for ourelections newsletter .

Joe Biden blasts Trump ahead of Michigan visit, chastises him for threats to funding
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate: 6 possibilities The former vice president will soon begin the process of selecting a running mate as the Democratic primary nears its end. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday criticized President Donald Trump for threatening to stop funding to Michigan amid the coronavirus pandemic and an unfolding disaster in Midland County.
"In the wake of disaster, Donald Trump once again showed us who he is – threatening to pull federal funding and encouraging division," Biden said in a statement first given to the Free Press. "Michigan is in the fight of its life as it battles this pandemic and flooding disaster, and now more than ever, leadership and empathy matter."
Trump made the threat on Wednesday in response to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's plan to send out absentee ballot applications to every state voter as a way to boost turnout without encouraging in-person voting during the pandemic.
Biden, who won Michigan's March 10 presidential primary and is the presumptive Democratic nominee to face Trump in the Nov. 3 general election, made the statement ahead of Trump's visit on Thursday afternoon to a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti.
More: Trump threatens to stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot forms sent to voters
More: Whitmer asks Trump for formal emergency declaration for Midland County flooding
The plant has been making ventilators as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. More than 5,000 people in Michigan have died from the virus.
Mid-Michigan is also dealing this week with devastating floods after heavy rainfall led to the breaching of two dams near Midland on Tuesday. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency and has asked for federal aid with some 10,000 people forced to evacuate because of the flooding.
Biden said he sympathized with the families impacted by the failures of the Edenville and Sanford dams and credited Whitmer – who Biden has acknowledged is on his list of possible vice presidential running mates — with declaring a state of emergency and deploying the National Guard.
"In times of crisis, leaders don’t drag their feet and they don’t politicize – they spring to action to secure needed relief," Biden said.
Trump has said he has talked to Whitmer and is sending federal resources to Midland County to help with the flooding response. He also expressed sympathy with those affected on Wednesday.
In his statement ahead of the Ypsilanti visit, Biden again criticized Trump's response to the virus outbreak in the U.S., calling it "delayed, erratic and corrupt." The Trump administration has been widely criticized for initially suggesting the outbreak might not be widespread and for not rolling out testing more quickly. But the president and his allies have routinely defended their response, saying they have reacted swiftly to requests for supplies and medical help.
Biden said Trump and Republicans, however, have failed so far to provide enough help to states and workers beyond the initial rounds of aid passed by Congress.
"Right now, workers on the front lines of this pandemic are hurting. More than 1 million Michiganders have filed for unemployment, and Donald Trump is doing everything he can to side with corporate executives over unions and workers," he said. "We also can’t forget that the toll of this pandemic has been especially tough on communities of color – exposing the dangerous consequences of inaction, injustice, and institutional racism."
"It didn’t have to be this way," he said.
Trump and Republicans in Congress have so far resisted efforts to approve more funding for states and additional aid to workers. The Trump administration, however, did say that as part of its visit to Ford's plant on Thursday, it was meeting with African American community leaders to discuss the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on blacks. In Michigan, 40% of the deaths have been among African Americans, despite accounting for just 14% of the state's population.
Biden also reiterated his role in former President Barack Obama's rescue of General Motors and Chrysler in 2009, which many credited with keeping domestic automaking afloat during the last recession.
Trump won Michigan in 2016 by two-tenths of 1% of the vote, becoming the first Republican to win the state since George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Contact Todd Spangler at tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.


usatoday--2020-05-21--'Talk with your lawyer, Bill Barr:' Kamala Harris warns Trump against attempt to 'suppress the vote'

Sen. Kamala Harris tore into President Donald Trump Wednesday night for his threat to withhold federal funds from states over absentee ballots , warning such an act would be illegal .
`` Mr. President , it is a federal crime to withhold money from states with the purpose of interfering with people 's right to vote , '' the former California attorney general told MSNBC host Joy Reid .
`` So , you may want to talk to your lawyer , Bill Barr , about that , '' Harris added , in an apparent swipe at the independence of Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused of acting more like the president 's personal attorney than the nation 's top law enforcement official .
On Wednesday morning , Trump said in a tweet that Michigan had sent millions of voters absentee ballots `` illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State . ''
`` I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path ! ''
wrote the president , who has railed against efforts to expand mail-in-voting in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
'Voter Fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot forms sent to all voters The president was referring to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson 's announcement on Tuesday that absentee ballot applications – not actual ballots – would be sent to all of the state 's 7.7 million voters , giving them the option to receive a ballot in the mail to vote in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election , rather than going to a polling place .
While it is illegal in Michigan to send absentee ballots to voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is far from clear that there are the same legal hurdles to sending applications for the absentee ballots to registered voters , though it could be challenged in court .
Trump later deleted the initial tweet to clarify he was referring to applications , and not ballots , though that was the only aspect of the tweet he changed .
`` To have this kind of distraction is just ridiculous , '' Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , whose state is facing a massive flood on top of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` Threatening to take money away from a state that is hurting as bad as we are right now is just scary , and I think something that is unacceptable , '' Whitmer said .
The president made a similar threat against Nevada , where Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske has ordered an all mail-in election for the state 's June 9 primary – which has no bearing on the presidential race because Nevada held its Democratic presidential caucus in February , and canceled its Republican presidential caucus .
Cegavske @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal judge earlier this month , defended the move as `` necessary and prudent '' in order to `` protect the health and safety of voters and election workers , '' in a statement responding to the president 's tweet .
The vote and COVID-19 : More than a dozen states have delayed their primaries due to coronavirus '' For over a century , Nevadans , including members of the military , citizens residing outside the state , voters in designated mailing precincts , and voters requesting absentee ballots , have been voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud , '' Cegavske said .
`` For the President to threaten federal funding in the midst of a pandemic over a state exercising its authority to run elections in a safe and legal manner is inappropriate and outrageous , '' said Nevada 's Democratic Gov .
Steve Sisolak in a response to Trump on Twitter .
Trump , who himself votes absentee , has said voting by mail is a `` dangerous thing '' and `` subject to tremendous corruption , '' despite a lack of evidence that there is a statistically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states that conduct their elections entirely by mail .
Indiana election officials ' message : Please , please , please vote by mail In a March 30 `` Fox & Friends '' interview , Trump also said he feared a shift to vote-by-mail could lead to `` levels of voting that – if you ever agreed to it – you 'd never have a Republican elected in this country again . ''
Harris said she believed the latter concern was the primary reason Trump tweeted his threats against states shiting to mail-in ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business of attempting to intimidate , and using his tweets as the method by which he does that , '' she said .
`` But also it 's clear that he 's worried about whether he 's going to win this election . ''
Harris , who is on the list of potential running mates for the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , said Trump 's aim was to reduce the number of people voting because he thought it would improve his chances of reelection .
`` This is another example of Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or even purposely attempting , to suppress the vote in an election . ''
Veepstakes : Joe Biden vowed to pick a woman VP .
Some Democrats say she must be a woman of color

'Talk with your lawyer, Bill Barr:' Kamala Harris warns Trump against attempt to 'suppress the vote'
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Sen. Kamala Harris tore into President Donald Trump Wednesday night for his threat to withhold federal funds from states over absentee ballots, warning such an act would be illegal.
"Mr. President, it is a federal crime to withhold money from states with the purpose of interfering with people's right to vote," the former California attorney general told MSNBC host Joy Reid.
"So, you may want to talk to your lawyer, Bill Barr, about that," Harris added, in an apparent swipe at the independence of Attorney General William Barr, whom critics have accused of acting more like the president's personal attorney than the nation's top law enforcement official.
On Wednesday morning, Trump said in a tweet that Michigan had sent millions of voters absentee ballots "illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State."
"I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path!" wrote the president, who has railed against efforts to expand mail-in-voting in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
'Voter Fraud path!': Trump threatens to stop funding for Michigan if absentee ballot forms sent to all voters
.@realDonaldTrump, you may want to call your lawyer Bill Barr. pic.twitter.com/Q0tCeDucot — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 21, 2020
The president was referring to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's announcement on Tuesday that absentee ballot applications – not actual ballots – would be sent to all of the state's 7.7 million voters, giving them the option to receive a ballot in the mail to vote in the Aug. 4 primary and Nov. 3 general election, rather than going to a polling place.
While it is illegal in Michigan to send absentee ballots to voters who do not formally request them, it is far from clear that there are the same legal hurdles to sending applications for the absentee ballots to registered voters, though it could be challenged in court.
Trump later deleted the initial tweet to clarify he was referring to applications, and not ballots, though that was the only aspect of the tweet he changed.
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Americans overwhelmingly support vote-by-mail push, but Republicans more wary
Michigan sends absentee ballot applications to 7.7 million people ahead of Primaries and the General Election. This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State. I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2020
"To have this kind of distraction is just ridiculous," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, whose state is facing a massive flood on top of the coronavirus pandemic, told "CBS This Morning" on Thursday.
"Threatening to take money away from a state that is hurting as bad as we are right now is just scary, and I think something that is unacceptable," Whitmer said.
The president made a similar threat against Nevada, where Republican Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske has ordered an all mail-in election for the state's June 9 primary – which has no bearing on the presidential race because Nevada held its Democratic presidential caucus in February, and canceled its Republican presidential caucus.
Cegavske, whose decision was upheld by a federal judge earlier this month, defended the move as "necessary and prudent" in order to "protect the health and safety of voters and election workers," in a statement responding to the president's tweet.
The vote and COVID-19: More than a dozen states have delayed their primaries due to coronavirus
State of Nevada “thinks” that they can send out illegal vote by mail ballots, creating a great Voter Fraud scenario for the State and the U.S. They can’t! If they do, “I think” I can hold up funds to the State. Sorry, but you must not cheat in elections. @RussVought45 @USTreasury — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2020
"For over a century, Nevadans, including members of the military, citizens residing outside the state, voters in designated mailing precincts, and voters requesting absentee ballots, have been voting by mail with no evidence of election fraud," Cegavske said.
"For the President to threaten federal funding in the midst of a pandemic over a state exercising its authority to run elections in a safe and legal manner is inappropriate and outrageous," said Nevada's Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak in a response to Trump on Twitter.
Trump, who himself votes absentee, has said voting by mail is a "dangerous thing" and "subject to tremendous corruption," despite a lack of evidence that there is a statistically significant amount of fraud in the five states that conduct their elections entirely by mail.
Indiana election officials' message: Please, please, please vote by mail
In a March 30 "Fox & Friends" interview, Trump also said he feared a shift to vote-by-mail could lead to "levels of voting that – if you ever agreed to it – you'd never have a Republican elected in this country again."
Harris said she believed the latter concern was the primary reason Trump tweeted his threats against states shifting to mail-in ballots.
"He is always in the business of attempting to intimidate, and using his tweets as the method by which he does that," she said. "But also it's clear that he's worried about whether he's going to win this election."
Harris, who is on the list of potential running mates for the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, said Trump's aim was to reduce the number of people voting because he thought it would improve his chances of reelection.
"This is another example of Donald Trump being complicit with an attempt, or even purposely attempting, to suppress the vote in an election."
Contributing: Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press; The Associated Press
Veepstakes: Joe Biden vowed to pick a woman VP. Some Democrats say she must be a woman of color


usatoday--2020-05-21--Police officer suicides down in midst of pandemic after soaring numbers prompted alarm in 2019

Suicides among law enforcement officers , which soared last year , have slowed markedly in the first months of 2020 as the deadly coronavirus pandemic has put increasing demands on officers to enforce local shutdown orders and placed them at risk of contracting the virus , according to data gathered by a police advocacy group..
Officer suicides are down nearly 30 % so far this year , compared to the same period in 2019 – a drop from 89 deaths to 63 , according to Blue H.E.L.P.
, which relies on data submissions from family members , law enforcement agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at a loss for a definitive explanation for the sudden , but welcome , lull , analysts suggest that the increased need for public services during the health emergency , and a corresponding wave of goodwill for those who provide it , may be helping to sustain the most vulnerable .
`` We do n't know why the numbers are going the way they are going , '' said Karen Solomon , president and co-founder of Blue H.E.L.P .
`` It could be that people are not reporting like they normally would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be that the pandemic has created a sense of purpose and need for helpers that can make a difference . ''
Before COVID-19 , law enforcement and health officials had been sounding the alarm about the suicide threat stalking the ranks of police departments across the country .
The New York Police Department , faced with a spate of deaths last year , declared a “ mental health crisis.
” The Chicago Police Department grappled with rising numbers of its own .
In February , Attorney General William Barr , in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ association of police chiefs , referred to “ staggering statistics ” gathered by Blue H.E.L.P.
, which reported 228 suicides in 2019 , a 44 % increase from the year before .
The data , which the group acknowledges is likely incomplete , also highlighted a stunning lack of research on why law enforcement officers take their own lives .
Though many institutions track police officer deaths in the line of duty – from fatal shootings to heart attacks – there has been no national repository for tracking and analyzing officer suicides .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for years has tracked deaths in the line of duty .
The group does not recognize suicides as line-of-duty deaths , but analysts have attributed job stress and exposure to trauma as contributing to officers ' mental decline .
An urgent need for tracking A provision in the government 's spending bill in December directed the Justice Department 's Bureau of Justice Statistics to start tracking officer suicides .
A status report , which was due to be delivered to Congress in March , has been delayed .
More : More and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are we missing ?
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen , D-N.H. , said the increasing pressures faced by police during the pandemic make such a tracking system an even more urgent priority for the federal government .
`` Law enforcement officers are now not only exposed to the tremendous stress and trauma that comes with protecting our communities , but also the added anxieties brought by COVID-19 , '' Shaheen said .
`` The coronavirus pandemic has only increased stress and uncertainty for law enforcement officers who have experienced additional calls for assistance , significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and potential job loss as states and municipalities face revenue shortfalls . ''
John Violanti , a University of Buffalo professor of epidemiology and environmental health , supports the creation of national repository having reported that the risk of suicide among law enforcement officers is 54 % greater than other American workers .
The finding was based on an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ending in 2014 .
While he does not regard Blue H.E.L.P .
's data as a scientific representation of the problem , he said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprising – could be attributed to the recent outpouring of public support for nurses , doctors firefighters and police who are required to work through the pandemic .
'Isolation is a big trigger ' : Feelings of suicide are amplified amid a pandemic Therapy : We tell suicidal people to go to therapy .
So why are therapists rarely trained in suicide ?
`` Police and all first responders are now looked on as heroes , '' Violanti said .
`` But at some point that is going to go away . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Violanti , a former New York state trooper , and Solomon said there is concern that the suicide numbers may spike again .
`` We 're putting officers in a very bad place , in increasing positions of strain , '' Violanti said , adding that local shutdown orders have required police to make arrests at churches , backyard parties and other unlikely places for violations of such things as mass-gathering prohibitions .
`` It 's a lot to ask of police ; I think ( the numbers ) are going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Molly High is more than familiar with the pain endured by officers and their families before and after such losses .
High has little doubt that her husband 's exposure to the most disturbing side of policing had something to do with his suicide in January .
During more than two decades in law enforcement in Idaho and Washington state , Phillip High , 53 , investigated arson , reconstructed deadly vehicle collisions and once was swept up in a shootout .
`` There was so much trauma , '' Molly High said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why are therapists rarely trained in suicide ?
Getting help : How to find a therapist if you ’ re suicidal In retrospect , High said her husband 's private nature masked mounting distress that she now thinks may have taken hold four years ago .
`` I just thought he was stressed ; I did n't recognize it at first , '' she said .
Set to retire Feb. 29 , Phillip High was working on another master 's degree to prepare for a second career in counseling first responders .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a steep spiral , increasingly isolating himself at work and at home .
After work , his wife said , he would retreat to his study to watch television .
He was often sick to his stomach .
He could n't eat ; he could n't sleep .
There were times when he could n't find the words to express his distress .
`` He totally shut down , '' she said .
In early January , the couple found help in Salt Lake City , where Phillip High spent four days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He returned home encouraged that the treatment was helpful , but he quickly sank into depression as his wife looked for long-term care .
Two days after returning from Utah , Phillip High killed himself .
This month , Molly High had planned to travel to Washington , D.C. , in commemoration of National Police Week , a tradition that had deep meaning for the couple and their ties to law enforcement .
The coronavirus emergency changed all that , but the message she had planned to share there with spouses and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own lives remains just as relevant .
`` We 're trying to bring awareness to this issue , '' she said .
`` The job did kill these men , but nobody wants to acknowledge that . ''
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts , you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) any time day or night , or chat online .
Crisis Text Line also provides free , 24/7 , confidential support via text message to people in @ @ @ @ @ @

Police officer suicides down in midst of pandemic after soaring numbers prompted alarm in 2019
Show Caption Hide Caption Save a life by knowing the signs of suicide On average, there are more than 128 suicides per day in the United States, attempted by people with and without known mental health conditions. USA TODAY
Suicides among law enforcement officers, which soared last year, have slowed markedly in the first months of 2020 as the deadly coronavirus pandemic has put increasing demands on officers to enforce local shutdown orders and placed them at risk of contracting the virus, according to data gathered by a police advocacy group..
Officer suicides are down nearly 30% so far this year, compared to the same period in 2019 – a drop from 89 deaths to 63, according to Blue H.E.L.P., which relies on data submissions from family members, law enforcement agencies and online searches.
While the group is at a loss for a definitive explanation for the sudden, but welcome, lull, analysts suggest that the increased need for public services during the health emergency, and a corresponding wave of goodwill for those who provide it, may be helping to sustain the most vulnerable.
"We don't know why the numbers are going the way they are going," said Karen Solomon, president and co-founder of Blue H.E.L.P. "It could be that people are not reporting like they normally would because of the virus. Or it could be that the pandemic has created a sense of purpose and need for helpers that can make a difference."
Before COVID-19, law enforcement and health officials had been sounding the alarm about the suicide threat stalking the ranks of police departments across the country.
The New York Police Department, faced with a spate of deaths last year, declared a “mental health crisis.” The Chicago Police Department grappled with rising numbers of its own.
'Crisis point': The life-saving lesson suicidal people can teach a world in pandemic
In February, Attorney General William Barr, in a speech to the nation’s largest association of police chiefs, referred to “staggering statistics” gathered by Blue H.E.L.P., which reported 228 suicides in 2019, a 44% increase from the year before.
The data, which the group acknowledges is likely incomplete, also highlighted a stunning lack of research on why law enforcement officers take their own lives. Though many institutions track police officer deaths in the line of duty – from fatal shootings to heart attacks – there has been no national repository for tracking and analyzing officer suicides.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for years has tracked deaths in the line of duty. The group does not recognize suicides as line-of-duty deaths, but analysts have attributed job stress and exposure to trauma as contributing to officers' mental decline.
An urgent need for tracking
A provision in the government's spending bill in December directed the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics to start tracking officer suicides. A status report, which was due to be delivered to Congress in March, has been delayed.
More: More and more Americans are dying by suicide. What are we missing?
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said the increasing pressures faced by police during the pandemic make such a tracking system an even more urgent priority for the federal government.
"Law enforcement officers are now not only exposed to the tremendous stress and trauma that comes with protecting our communities, but also the added anxieties brought by COVID-19," Shaheen said.
"The coronavirus pandemic has only increased stress and uncertainty for law enforcement officers who have experienced additional calls for assistance, significant on-the-job risk of exposure to the virus and potential job loss as states and municipalities face revenue shortfalls."
John Violanti, a University of Buffalo professor of epidemiology and environmental health, supports the creation of national repository having reported that the risk of suicide among law enforcement officers is 54% greater than other American workers. The finding was based on an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ending in 2014.
While he does not regard Blue H.E.L.P.'s data as a scientific representation of the problem, he said the group's most recent findings – while surprising – could be attributed to the recent outpouring of public support for nurses, doctors firefighters and police who are required to work through the pandemic.
'Isolation is a big trigger': Feelings of suicide are amplified amid a pandemic
Therapy: We tell suicidal people to go to therapy. So why are therapists rarely trained in suicide?
"Police and all first responders are now looked on as heroes," Violanti said. "But at some point that is going to go away."
And when that goodwill begins to fade, Violanti, a former New York state trooper, and Solomon said there is concern that the suicide numbers may spike again.
"We're putting officers in a very bad place, in increasing positions of strain," Violanti said, adding that local shutdown orders have required police to make arrests at churches, backyard parties and other unlikely places for violations of such things as mass-gathering prohibitions.
"It's a lot to ask of police; I think (the numbers) are going to go up," he said.
'So much trauma'
Molly High is more than familiar with the pain endured by officers and their families before and after such losses.
High has little doubt that her husband's exposure to the most disturbing side of policing had something to do with his suicide in January.
During more than two decades in law enforcement in Idaho and Washington state, Phillip High, 53, investigated arson, reconstructed deadly vehicle collisions and once was swept up in a shootout.
"There was so much trauma," Molly High said.
"See a therapist": Why are therapists rarely trained in suicide?
Getting help: How to find a therapist if you’re suicidal
In retrospect, High said her husband's private nature masked mounting distress that she now thinks may have taken hold four years ago. "I just thought he was stressed; I didn't recognize it at first," she said.
Set to retire Feb. 29, Phillip High was working on another master's degree to prepare for a second career in counseling first responders. But last year, he seemed to fall into a steep spiral, increasingly isolating himself at work and at home.
After work, his wife said, he would retreat to his study to watch television. He was often sick to his stomach. He couldn't eat; he couldn't sleep. There were times when he couldn't find the words to express his distress.
"He totally shut down," she said.
In early January, the couple found help in Salt Lake City, where Phillip High spent four days being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. He returned home encouraged that the treatment was helpful, but he quickly sank into depression as his wife looked for long-term care.
Two days after returning from Utah, Phillip High killed himself.
This month, Molly High had planned to travel to Washington, D.C., in commemoration of National Police Week, a tradition that had deep meaning for the couple and their ties to law enforcement. The coronavirus emergency changed all that, but the message she had planned to share there with spouses and family members of police officers who have taken their own lives remains just as relevant.
"We're trying to bring awareness to this issue," she said. "The job did kill these men, but nobody wants to acknowledge that."
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.


usatoday--2020-05-21--Trump to visit home turf of a frequent target amid pandemic: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will visit Michigan on Thursday , the home turf of Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , a frequent target of his attacks , as he looks to tout his response to the coronavirus pandemic in a pivotal battleground state .
Whitmer , who has emerged as one of Trump 's most prominent foils in his bid to pressure states to reopen for business , has sparred with the president throughout the pandemic over the administration 's handling of the crisis and protests in Michigan against stay-at-home restrictions .
The first-term Democratic governor was thrust into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed her as `` the woman in Michigan '' and `` Gretchen 'Half ' Whitmer '' after she repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the pandemic .
Trump has also cheered on protesters demanding a rollback of stay-at-home orders , calling on supporters to `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN ! ''
even as his task force released new guidelines recommending states adopt a phased approach to reopening only after experiencing a downward trajectory of new coronavirus cases for two weeks .
Michigan has the fourth highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands were ordered to evacuate this week over dam failures that triggered record flooding in Midland .
Trump and Whitmer spoke by phone Wednesday , and Trump later told reporters he may visit flood-stricken Midland soon .
Trump will tour a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti repurposed to make ventilators needed to treat COVID-19 patients , despite an order put in place by Whitmer requiring manufacturing facilities to `` suspend all non-essential in-person visits , including tours '' as part of the state 's battle against the spread of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump threatened to withhold relief funding when he erroneously accused Michigan of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters in a Wednesday morning tweet .
State officials , in fact , sent out applications for those who wish to request to vote by mail ahead of its August and November elections .
Trump later deleted his initial tweet and posted a new one alleging the state committed voter fraud by sending out the applications .
Asked why the president did not invite Whitmer to the event at the Ford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McEnany said she wasn ’ t aware of a “ particular reason ” and said “ it didn ’ t come up.
” “ The president has done quite a bit for Michigan , ” McEnany said .
“ She should be thanking the president for all the supplies that he 's delivered to her state.
” More : Anti-quarantine protests , Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus The trip marks Trump ’ s third visit to a 2020 battleground state in as many weeks , as he looks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state led by a popular Democratic governor .
Before the tour at the Ford plant , Trump will meet with national and local African American leaders to discuss efforts to assist distressed communities recovering from the pandemic , according to White House spokesman Judd Deere .
The president earlier this month visited manufacturing plants in Allentown , Pa. and Phoenix , where songs usually heard at Trump 's trademark political rallies blared from the speakers .
He was criticized when the Guns ' N ' Roses version of `` Live and Let Die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was left off the playlist in Pennsylvania .
Pennsylvania and Arizona are both considered key to Trump 's reelection chances in November , During a visit to a medical supply distributor in Allentown , Trump 's veered into political rhetoric as he attacked `` Sleepy Joe Biden , '' his nickname for Vice President Joe Biden , whose hails from nearby Scranton .
Vice President Mike Pence has employed a similar strategy , visiting Florida , Wisconsin , Iowa , Minnesota , Virginia and Colorado since he began leading the White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he 's eager to return to the campaign trail and has accused some Democratic governors of `` playing politics '' in their phased plans to allow businesses and schools to reopen .
With the suspension of Trump 's raucous rallies that were held weekly before the coronavirus crisis unfolded , the campaign is taking advantage of the president 's official visits to swing states that put him in front of critical voters who could determine November 's outcome .
“ Americans can see that President Trump is fighting to protect their safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh .
`` He is doing his job as President and critics would complain if he didn ’ t go visit states .
Critics are the ones playing politics . ''
Michigan Democrats slammed Trump 's visit , saying that it shows he is `` tone deaf '' to economic turmoil states are facing in the coronavirus crisis .
`` He should not be going on a parade to highlight himself at a time when people are dying , when people are getting very sick , when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Michigan state Rep. Yousef Rabhi .
`` Instead of parading around the country like he 's doing , President Trump should be in Washington trying to solve these , you know , vital issues and get us the resources that we need to be able to preserve jobs . ''
The fiery exchanges between the president and Whitmer , who is widely popular at the moment , have been unsettling to some Republicans in the state , several political consultants said .
“ In a crisis it ’ s time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really don ’ t do anybody any good , ” said John Truscott , a consultant who served as a spokesman to former Gov .
John Engler , a Republican .
“ I hope he can focus his message on these auto manufacturers and ... how they mobilized at the president ’ s request.
” Where coronavirus is n't : What 's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties ?
Angering even small share of persuadable voters , he said , could cost Trump the state in the November .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 % of the electorate that can be swayed at this point – that ’ s who he ’ s targeting , ” Truscott said .
“ If they ’ re that indecisive then they can probably be swayed by this.
” On the other hand , Truscott said , Michigan has been under some of the strictest lock down orders in the country , which have not only inspired protests at the state capitol but may also slow the state ’ s economic recovery in coming months .
“ On an economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when the country gets sick , Michigan gets the flu , ” Truscott said , suggesting that the Rust Belt state ’ s industries can take longer to recover from a downturn .
And that can make for uncertain politics .
A Fox News poll last month put Biden up 8 points over Trump among registered voters in Michigan .
Meanwhile , Whitmer has received high marks for her handling of the coronavirus outbreak , despite criticism over her strict stay-at-home orders and anti-lockdown protests .
A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whitmer 's response to the pandemic compared to 43 % who said Trump was doing a good job , although the survey sample was not large enough to distinguish partisan lines .
Last month , a Fox News poll found 64 % of registered voters approved of the Michigan governor 's handling , which included 90 % of Democrats compared with 35 % of Republicans .
“ Every Republican I talk to is pulling their hair out silently , ” said Joe DiSano , a Democratic political consultant in Michigan .
“ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here about who is exhibiting leadership .
But what ’ s happening now is you ’ re starting to see a hardening of opinion .
”

Courtney Subramanian and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump to visit home turf of a frequent target amid pandemic: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will visit Michigan on Thursday, the home turf of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a frequent target of his attacks, as he looks to tout his response to the coronavirus pandemic in a pivotal battleground state.
Whitmer, who has emerged as one of Trump's most prominent foils in his bid to pressure states to reopen for business, has sparred with the president throughout the pandemic over the administration's handling of the crisis and protests in Michigan against stay-at-home restrictions.
The first-term Democratic governor was thrust into the national spotlight in March when Trump dismissed her as "the woman in Michigan" and "Gretchen 'Half' Whitmer" after she repeatedly criticized the federal government for a lack of planning and a slow response to the pandemic.
Trump has also cheered on protesters demanding a rollback of stay-at-home orders, calling on supporters to "LIBERATE MICHIGAN!" even as his task force released new guidelines recommending states adopt a phased approach to reopening only after experiencing a downward trajectory of new coronavirus cases for two weeks.
Michigan has the fourth highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. and thousands were ordered to evacuate this week over dam failures that triggered record flooding in Midland.
Trump and Whitmer spoke by phone Wednesday, and Trump later told reporters he may visit flood-stricken Midland soon.
Trump will tour a Ford Motor Co. plant in Ypsilanti repurposed to make ventilators needed to treat COVID-19 patients, despite an order put in place by Whitmer requiring manufacturing facilities to "suspend all non-essential in-person visits, including tours" as part of the state's battle against the spread of the coronavirus.
The visit comes a day after Trump threatened to withhold relief funding when he erroneously accused Michigan of preparing to send out absentee ballots to its 7.7 million voters in a Wednesday morning tweet. State officials, in fact, sent out applications for those who wish to request to vote by mail ahead of its August and November elections.
Trump later deleted his initial tweet and posted a new one alleging the state committed voter fraud by sending out the applications.
Asked why the president did not invite Whitmer to the event at the Ford factory, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said she wasn’t aware of a “particular reason” and said “it didn’t come up.”
“The president has done quite a bit for Michigan,” McEnany said. “She should be thanking the president for all the supplies that he's delivered to her state.”
More: Anti-quarantine protests, Trump pressure put governors on political tightrope over coronavirus
President Trump says COVID-19 treatments show positive results President Trump shared his positive outlook on COVID-19 treatment results and the recovering economy during a roundtable with business leaders. Wochit
The trip marks Trump’s third visit to a 2020 battleground state in as many weeks, as he looks to boost his political standing in a pivotal state led by a popular Democratic governor.
Before the tour at the Ford plant, Trump will meet with national and local African American leaders to discuss efforts to assist distressed communities recovering from the pandemic, according to White House spokesman Judd Deere.
The president earlier this month visited manufacturing plants in Allentown, Pa. and Phoenix, where songs usually heard at Trump's trademark political rallies blared from the speakers. He was criticized when the Guns 'N' Roses version of "Live and Let Die" was played during the Phoenix event. It was left off the playlist in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania and Arizona are both considered key to Trump's reelection chances in November,
During a visit to a medical supply distributor in Allentown, Trump's veered into political rhetoric as he attacked "Sleepy Joe Biden," his nickname for Vice President Joe Biden, whose hails from nearby Scranton.
Vice President Mike Pence has employed a similar strategy, visiting Florida, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia and Colorado since he began leading the White House coronavirus task force.
Trump has said he's eager to return to the campaign trail and has accused some Democratic governors of "playing politics" in their phased plans to allow businesses and schools to reopen. With the suspension of Trump's raucous rallies that were held weekly before the coronavirus crisis unfolded, the campaign is taking advantage of the president's official visits to swing states that put him in front of critical voters who could determine November's outcome.
“Americans can see that President Trump is fighting to protect their safety and reopen the economy," said Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh. "He is doing his job as President and critics would complain if he didn’t go visit states. Critics are the ones playing politics."
Michigan Democrats slammed Trump's visit, saying that it shows he is "tone deaf" to economic turmoil states are facing in the coronavirus crisis.
"He should not be going on a parade to highlight himself at a time when people are dying, when people are getting very sick, when people are continuing to lose their jobs," said Michigan state Rep. Yousef Rabhi.
"Instead of parading around the country like he's doing, President Trump should be in Washington trying to solve these, you know, vital issues and get us the resources that we need to be able to preserve jobs."
The fiery exchanges between the president and Whitmer, who is widely popular at the moment, have been unsettling to some Republicans in the state, several political consultants said.
“In a crisis it’s time to put politics aside and gratuitous political shots really don’t do anybody any good,” said John Truscott, a consultant who served as a spokesman to former Gov. John Engler, a Republican. “I hope he can focus his message on these auto manufacturers and ... how they mobilized at the president’s request.”
Where coronavirus isn't: What's kept cases officially at zero in these 200 counties?
Angering even small share of persuadable voters, he said, could cost Trump the state in the November.
“We’re talking about less than 5% of the electorate that can be swayed at this point – that’s who he’s targeting,” Truscott said. “If they’re that indecisive then they can probably be swayed by this.”
On the other hand, Truscott said, Michigan has been under some of the strictest lock down orders in the country, which have not only inspired protests at the state capitol but may also slow the state’s economic recovery in coming months.
“On an economic front, the phrase has always been that when the country gets sick, Michigan gets the flu,” Truscott said, suggesting that the Rust Belt state’s industries can take longer to recover from a downturn.
And that can make for uncertain politics.
A Fox News poll last month put Biden up 8 points over Trump among registered voters in Michigan.
Meanwhile, Whitmer has received high marks for her handling of the coronavirus outbreak, despite criticism over her strict stay-at-home orders and anti-lockdown protests. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week found 72% of residents approved of Whitmer's response to the pandemic compared to 43% who said Trump was doing a good job, although the survey sample was not large enough to distinguish partisan lines. Last month, a Fox News poll found 64% of registered voters approved of the Michigan governor's handling, which included 90% of Democrats compared with 35% of Republicans.
“Every Republican I talk to is pulling their hair out silently,” said Joe DiSano, a Democratic political consultant in Michigan. “No one’s mind is being changed here about who is exhibiting leadership. But what’s happening now is you’re starting to see a hardening of opinion.”