Trump Calls Michigan Supreme Court Ruling 'BIG win'

MICHIGAN — President Donald Trump on Wednesday chimed in on a recent ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court that essentially revoked emergency powers from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, calling the ruling a 'BIG win' for Michiganders.

"We just got a BIG win for the people of Michigan," said Trump, who is currently recovering from the coronavirus in the White House after a short stay at Walter Reed Medical Center. "Open up your Churches and your Schools. Auto companies pouring in and expanding (thank you Mr. President!). Have fun!"

Whitmer also used Twitter as a platform to respond to the president, telling him to "get to work."

"Mr. President, millions of hardworking Americans are relying on you for a COVID-19 relief package. Get to work," she tweeted.

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On Friday, a narrow majority of the Supreme Court struck down the statute under which the governor has issued executive orders during the coronavirus pandemic.

Whitmer said on Monday she is seeking clarification regarding when the ruling takes effect. Her administration has interpreted Michigan Supreme Court law in saying that the ruling would take effect 21 days from when it was issued. However, GOP legislators have said it would take effect immediately.

In the meantime, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon has issued his own share of emergency orders, citing a different law as grounds to do so.

Gordon on Monday issued an emergency order restricting gathering sizes, requiring face coverings in public spaces and placing limitations on bars and other venues.

The order relies on authorities that were first enacted after the Spanish Flu of 1918 and that were not at issue in the Michigan Supreme Court's decision, the MDHHS said.

Local communities have also taken their own approach to maintain mask requirements during the pandemic, which has resulted in nearly 130,000 confirmed cases in Michigan, while claiming the lives of more than 6,800. Oakland County initially issued a health order requiring masks in public spaces. However, the county rescinded its order once Gordon's order took effect.

Ingham County, which encompasses Lansing and has had recent outbreaks of the coronavirus, also issued orders requiring masks and limiting restaurant capacity at 50 percent.

The orders do not create new restrictions or requirements, but remove uncertainty around the continuation of precautionary measures for Ingham County residents and businesses, Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail said.

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch