DETROIT – Michigan has found itself in President Donald Trump’s cross-hairs.
First, President Trump chastised General Motors and CEO Mary Barra. Then he ordered it to ramp up production of ventilators, despite GM having already announced that it would.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking for a major disaster declaration on Thursday.
During an interview with Sean Hannity, Trump said Whitmer wasn’t doing enough.
“She is a new governor, and it’s not been pleasant,” Trump said. “We’ve had a big problem with the young — a woman governor. You know who I’m talking about — from Michigan. We don’t like to see the complaints.”
Trump said he had instructed Vice President Mike Pence not to call the governors of Washington or Michigan — two coronavirus hotspots — because of their public criticism. “If they don’t treat you right, I don’t call,” Trump said.
Friday night, President Trump took another swipe at Governor Whitmer.
I love Michigan, one of the reasons we are doing such a GREAT job for them during this horrible Pandemic. Yet your Governor, Gretchen “Half” Whitmer is way in over her ahead, she doesn’t have a clue. Likes blaming everyone for her own ineptitude! #MAGA
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 28, 2020
Meanwhile, federal officials are focusing on Wayne County as an emerging coronavirus (COVID-19) hotspot as the city of Detroit alone surpasses 1,000 confirmed cases.
The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 3,657 as of Friday, including 92 deaths, state officials report. Friday’s total represents an increase of 801 cases, the biggest single-day jump so far in the states. Thursday’s final total was 2,856 confirmed cases.
UPDATE - March 27, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 3,657; Death toll now at 92
The U.S. surgeon general said on Friday that the situation in Detroit will worsen next week.