(WXYZ) — President Donald Trump slammed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer again during an interview on Fox News Thursday after she criticized the federal government's slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the interview Trump questioned Whitmer's awareness of the pandemic.
"And your governor of Michigan, I mean, she's not stepping up," Trump said. "I don't know if she knows what's going on, but all she does is sit there and blame the federal government. She doesn't get it done. We send her a lot."
The president's comments came after Whitmer on Thursday asked the federal government for major disaster declaration in Michigan.
- Whitmer: Michigan ranks fifth in nation for positive COVID-19 cases
- Whitmer asks Trump for major disaster declaration in Michigan over COVID-19
If granted, Whitmer said it will help provide meals to those who need them, provide rental assistance for temporary housing, therapy for residents whose mental health is affected by COVID-19 and much more.
According to Whitmer, it would also provide additional capacity in the event the state would need to set up field hospitals and faculties.
On Twitter, the Michigan governor responded to Trump saying she has "repeatedly and respectfully asked for help."
Hi, my name is Gretchen Whitmer, and that governor is me 👋
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 27, 2020
I've asked repeatedly and respectfully for help. We need it. No more political attacks, just PPEs, ventilators, N95 masks, test kits. You said you stand with Michigan — prove it. https://t.co/FtWlTLZdqW
She also called the president to prove he stands with Michigan.
"You said you stand with Michigan — prove it."
Vice President Mike Pence, on the other hand, praised Whitmer's response and encouraged a partnership.
PS: I’m happy to work with the VP! We get along well. pic.twitter.com/OtjJa9pwhD
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) March 27, 2020
Gov. Whitmer has been vocal on the federal government's seemingly sluggish response to the coronavirus. Last week on MSNBC, Whitmer
urged the White House to provide more support. She said the federal government "hasn't been prepared" for the pandemic and that she is instead using "every tool in the toolbox" to create safe and economic policies in the state of Michigan.
To that critique, President Trump called Whitmer a 'failing Michigan governor' on Twitter and called her 'to be more proactive' – to which Whitmer tweeted an extensive list of measures she has taken to keep Michiganders safe.
So far, these states have received disaster declarations from the White House to COVID-19 federal support:
- March 26th - Missouri, Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey
- March 25th - North Carolina, Florida, Texas
- March 24th - Louisiana, Iowa
- March 22nd - California, State of Washington
- March 20th - New York
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
See all of our Helping Each Other stories.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
