Trump working on plan to lift coronavirus restrictions, asserts ‘total authority’ over state governments
- Trump touts upcoming plan as hotspots in the country show signs that the Covid-19 cases and deaths are peaking
- US leader dismisses talk that he would remove top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci
“I’ve been having many discussions with my team and top experts and we’re very close to completing a plan to open our country, hopefully, even ahead of schedule,” Trump said at a White House coronavirus task force briefing, in which the US leader lashed out more vociferously than usual at negative media reports.
Current federal guidelines have the restrictions in place until April 30.
“We will soon finalise new and very important guidelines to give governors the information they need to start safely opening their states. My administration’s plan and corresponding guidelines will give the American people the confidence they need to begin returning to normal life.”
Opening up the country “is the decision for the president of the United States”, said Trump. “That being said, we will work with the states. If they don’t do a good job, I will come in so quickly.”