Trump Demands States Let Places of Faith Open, Chafing at Limits
- He cites no authority for assertion he can override states
- U.S. church services have been a source of spread of the virus
Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the White House on May 22.
Photographer: Alex Brandon/AP Photo
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President Donald Trump demanded on Friday that states allow houses of worship to reopen from stay-at-home restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak, yet his authority to override governors’ orders is restrained by constitutional limits.
“The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now,” Trump said Friday in a statement to reporters at the White House. “For this weekend.”