This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/may/21/coronavirus-us-live-trump-michigan-visit-whitmer-latest-updates

The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
Coronavirus US live: Trump appears without mask at Ford plant despite policy Coronavirus US live: Trump appears without mask at Ford plant despite policy – as it happened
(about 2 hours later)
President claims he wore mask when away from reportersPresident claims he wore mask when away from reporters
Wrapping up our live coverage of US politics for tonight, but you can follow our global coronavirus liveblog for more news.
An updated evening news summary:
Trump chose not to wear a face mask during his tour of a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan, despite a company policy to do so. The president claimed he had worn a mask “in the back area” of the plant, something the company confirmed, but he said he did not want to give reporters “the pleasure” of seeing him wear it.
Baltimore’s mayor asked Trump to reconsider his planned trip to the city, which is still under a stay-at-home order. “I wish that the president, as our nation’s leader, would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend.” Democratic mayor Bernard Young said. A spokesman for the president said he would not change his plans.
Trump reiterated his criticism of vote by mail. A day after threatening to withhold funding from Michigan and Nevada over their efforts to expand vote by mail, the president falsely claimed that mail-in ballots are very susceptible to fraud. (Voter fraud is actually very rare.)
Congressman John Ratcliffe was confirmed as the next director of national intelligence. Ratcliffe’s nomination was approved in a party-line vote of 49-44, making the staunch Trump ally the first director of national intelligence to be confirmed in a partisan fashion.
Michael Cohen was released from prison because of coronavirus concerns. The former Trump lawyer and fixer was released early to home confinement as concerns mount about the potential spread of coronavirus in prisons.
The man who filmed the killing of unarmed jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia was arrested and charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Attorneys representing Arbery’s family had previously called for William “Roddie” Bryan Jr. to be arrested because he helped trap Arbery as he was trying to flee from the two white men who later killed him.
‘How racist was Henry Ford?’‘How racist was Henry Ford?’
Trump’s praise of Henry Ford’s “bloodlines” at the Ford Factory has prompted an online discussion of just how racist and harmful the auto company founder was.Trump’s praise of Henry Ford’s “bloodlines” at the Ford Factory has prompted an online discussion of just how racist and harmful the auto company founder was.
Yes, a giant portrait. As the Washington Post reported in 1998:Yes, a giant portrait. As the Washington Post reported in 1998:
At Ford, Trump said he wore a mask in private; took it off in publicAt Ford, Trump said he wore a mask in private; took it off in public
Journalist Bill Ritter, an anchor for an ABC news channel in New York City, initially shared a photograph of Donald Trump wearing a mask during a private viewing of Ford cars at a Ford plant in Michigan. The president did not wear the mask for the public part of his tour.Journalist Bill Ritter, an anchor for an ABC news channel in New York City, initially shared a photograph of Donald Trump wearing a mask during a private viewing of Ford cars at a Ford plant in Michigan. The president did not wear the mask for the public part of his tour.
But Ritter later deleted the tweet with the photograph, explaining that ABC had initially released the photograph, then “ruled that they weren’t yet able to confirm the photo.”But Ritter later deleted the tweet with the photograph, explaining that ABC had initially released the photograph, then “ruled that they weren’t yet able to confirm the photo.”
Images of the president during the public tour without his mask have been shared widely.Images of the president during the public tour without his mask have been shared widely.
Trump will ignore Baltimore mayor’s request not to visit cityTrump will ignore Baltimore mayor’s request not to visit city
A spokesperson for the president said he would continue with his planned visit to a national landmark to honor veterans, despite Baltimore’s mayor asking the president to stay home.A spokesperson for the president said he would continue with his planned visit to a national landmark to honor veterans, despite Baltimore’s mayor asking the president to stay home.
Baltimore is a majority-black city that had more than 4,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reported, as Maryland overall saw a single day high of 1,784 new reported cases.Baltimore is a majority-black city that had more than 4,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reported, as Maryland overall saw a single day high of 1,784 new reported cases.
Trump has previously maligned the city publicly as a “rat and rodent-infested mess”, and a “dangerous and filthy place” where “no human being would want to live”.Trump has previously maligned the city publicly as a “rat and rodent-infested mess”, and a “dangerous and filthy place” where “no human being would want to live”.
The man who filmed the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed Georgia jogger killed in February, was arrested Thursday and charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. The man, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr, age 50, had maintained he was not involved in Arbery’s death in the Satilla Shores neighborhood, and merely recorded the now widely-circulated video of Gregory and Travis McMichael chasing down and killing Arbery.The man who filmed the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, the unarmed Georgia jogger killed in February, was arrested Thursday and charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. The man, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr, age 50, had maintained he was not involved in Arbery’s death in the Satilla Shores neighborhood, and merely recorded the now widely-circulated video of Gregory and Travis McMichael chasing down and killing Arbery.
Attorneys representing Arbery’s family had called for Bryan to be arrested because he helped trap Arbery, who was fleeing the McMichaels. The other two men were arrested earlier this month and face charges of murder and aggravated assault. Law enforcement in the area faces heavy scrutiny for their handling of the case. A local prosecutor recommended not bringing charges against the McMichaels in April before recusing himself from the case.Attorneys representing Arbery’s family had called for Bryan to be arrested because he helped trap Arbery, who was fleeing the McMichaels. The other two men were arrested earlier this month and face charges of murder and aggravated assault. Law enforcement in the area faces heavy scrutiny for their handling of the case. A local prosecutor recommended not bringing charges against the McMichaels in April before recusing himself from the case.
Ford Motor Company: We asked Trump to wear a maskFord Motor Company: We asked Trump to wear a mask
A spokesperson for Ford released a statement saying that Trump had worn a mask during part of his visit to a Michigan plant, but that he later removed it.A spokesperson for Ford released a statement saying that Trump had worn a mask during part of his visit to a Michigan plant, but that he later removed it.
Ford’s executive chairman personally encouraged Trump to wear a mask, the company said.Ford’s executive chairman personally encouraged Trump to wear a mask, the company said.
Trump praises Henry Ford’s ‘bloodlines’Trump praises Henry Ford’s ‘bloodlines’
It’s not particularly surprising that Trump might praise Henry Ford during his visit to a Ford plant in Michigan. But Trump’s particular phrasing has raised some eyebrows, given that Ford was a notorious anti-Semite who used his wealth and influence to spread dangerous lies about Jewish people.It’s not particularly surprising that Trump might praise Henry Ford during his visit to a Ford plant in Michigan. But Trump’s particular phrasing has raised some eyebrows, given that Ford was a notorious anti-Semite who used his wealth and influence to spread dangerous lies about Jewish people.
He talked about the company’s “bloodlines” and Ford’s “good blood”.He talked about the company’s “bloodlines” and Ford’s “good blood”.
PBS has an interview with a scholar who provides more context on Ford’s antisemitism and its impact:PBS has an interview with a scholar who provides more context on Ford’s antisemitism and its impact:
Trump on reopening churches and America’s ‘incredible comeback’Trump on reopening churches and America’s ‘incredible comeback’
Wrapping up a speech at a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan, Trump promised that he was working on plans to allow churches to hold Sunday services again, and “you’re going to see something come out very soon.”Wrapping up a speech at a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan, Trump promised that he was working on plans to allow churches to hold Sunday services again, and “you’re going to see something come out very soon.”
As the reported death toll nears 100,000, the president said the country was ready to bounce back.As the reported death toll nears 100,000, the president said the country was ready to bounce back.
“This country is poised for an epic comeback,” Trump said. “This is going to be an incredible comeback. Just watch. It’s already happening.”“This country is poised for an epic comeback,” Trump said. “This is going to be an incredible comeback. Just watch. It’s already happening.”
“Americans who need and want to return to work should not be vilified,” he said, likely a reference to the harsh public reactions to the predominantly white Americans who have staged large and sometimes volatile protests in Michigan and other states. For many Americans, he said, especially those who work with their hands, “working remotely is just not an option.”“Americans who need and want to return to work should not be vilified,” he said, likely a reference to the harsh public reactions to the predominantly white Americans who have staged large and sometimes volatile protests in Michigan and other states. For many Americans, he said, especially those who work with their hands, “working remotely is just not an option.”
In states like Georgia that have already begun to reopen, the numbers of coronavirus cases are going down, Trump claimed, “and very substantially down”.In states like Georgia that have already begun to reopen, the numbers of coronavirus cases are going down, Trump claimed, “and very substantially down”.
But as the Atlantic’s Ed Yong has explained yesterday, there’s a weeks-long lag between the time states make decisions, and the time those decisions translate into more or fewer cases. “May’s declining cases are the result of April’s physical distancing, and the consequences of May’s reopenings won’t be felt until June at the earliest,” he wrote.But as the Atlantic’s Ed Yong has explained yesterday, there’s a weeks-long lag between the time states make decisions, and the time those decisions translate into more or fewer cases. “May’s declining cases are the result of April’s physical distancing, and the consequences of May’s reopenings won’t be felt until June at the earliest,” he wrote.
That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over a blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me today. My west coast colleague, Lois Beckett, will take over a blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
Trump chose not to wear a face mask during his tour of a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan, despite a company policy to do so. The president claimed he had worn a mask “in the back area” of the plant, but he said he did not want to give reporters “the pleasure” of seeing him wear it.Trump chose not to wear a face mask during his tour of a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan, despite a company policy to do so. The president claimed he had worn a mask “in the back area” of the plant, but he said he did not want to give reporters “the pleasure” of seeing him wear it.
Baltimore’s mayor asked Trump to reconsider his planned trip to the city, which is still under a stay-at-home order. “I wish that the president, as our nation’s leader, would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend.” Democratic mayor Bernard Young said.Baltimore’s mayor asked Trump to reconsider his planned trip to the city, which is still under a stay-at-home order. “I wish that the president, as our nation’s leader, would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend.” Democratic mayor Bernard Young said.
Trump reiterated his criticism of vote by mail. A day after threatening to withhold funding from Michigan and Nevada over their efforts to expand vote by mail, the president falsely claimed that mail-in ballots are very susceptible to fraud. (Voter fraud is actually very rare.)Trump reiterated his criticism of vote by mail. A day after threatening to withhold funding from Michigan and Nevada over their efforts to expand vote by mail, the president falsely claimed that mail-in ballots are very susceptible to fraud. (Voter fraud is actually very rare.)
Congressman John Ratcliffe was confirmed as the next director of national intelligence. Ratcliffe’s nomination was approved in a party-line vote of 49-44, making the staunch Trump ally the first director of national intelligence to be confirmed in a partisan fashion.Congressman John Ratcliffe was confirmed as the next director of national intelligence. Ratcliffe’s nomination was approved in a party-line vote of 49-44, making the staunch Trump ally the first director of national intelligence to be confirmed in a partisan fashion.
Michael Cohen was released from prison because of coronavirus concerns. The former Trump lawyer and fixer was released early to home confinement as concerns mount about the potential spread of coronavirus in prisons.Michael Cohen was released from prison because of coronavirus concerns. The former Trump lawyer and fixer was released early to home confinement as concerns mount about the potential spread of coronavirus in prisons.
Lois will have more coming up, so stay tuned.Lois will have more coming up, so stay tuned.
Delivering remarks at the Ford plant, Trump repeated the false claim that he was named Michigan Man of the Year before taking office.Delivering remarks at the Ford plant, Trump repeated the false claim that he was named Michigan Man of the Year before taking office.
CNN has a thorough debunking of that claim:CNN has a thorough debunking of that claim:
Trump said he thought his reelection campaign would be able to start holding outdoor rallies again “sooner rather than later.”
“We got to get back to the rallies,” Trump stold reporters while touring the Ford plant in Michigan. “I think it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”
Trump said his campaign would look for “big, outdoor” venues to hold the events. “I don’t wanna have a stadium where you’re supposed to have a person, then seven empty seats,” the president said.
Again, public health experts have urged caution when relaxing social distancing guidelines, which have prohibited large events like rallies, out of concern about a potential surge in coronavirus infections.
Trump showed off the mask he allegedly wore in the “back area” of the Ford manufacturing plant, although he was seen maskless when taking questions from reporters.
“I like it very much,” Trump said of the mask as he displayed it to reporters. “Honestly, I think I look better in the mask,” the president added, saying he took it odd because he was about to deliver a speech.
Asked about Trump not covering his face despite a company policy to do so, the Ford chairman said, “It’s up to him.”
Trump claimed that he had worn a mask “in the back area” of the Ford manufacturing plant but not while he was visible to the reporters who traveled to Michigan with him.
“I had one on before,” Trump told reporters. “I didn’t want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it.”
Asked why he took the mask off, the president argued it was “not necessary” for most of the tour because he is regularly tested for coronavirus.
But public health experts have previously said even those who have previously tested negative for coronavirus should still cover their faces, as the CDC has recommended.
The moment of truth has arrived, and the president is ... not wearing a mask as he tours a Ford manufacturing plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, despite a policy requiring face coverings.
Trump toured the facility, which has been repurposed to make ventilators for coronavirus patients, with multiple Ford executives, who were wearing masks.
Michigan’s attorney general Dana Nessel wrote an open letter to Trump yesterday, saying the president had “not only a legal responsibility, but also a social and moral responsibility” to wear a mask during his tour.
“While my Department will not act to prevent you from touring Ford’s plant, I ask that while you are on tour you respect the great efforts of the men and women at Ford — and across this State — by wearing a facial covering,” Nessel wrote. “It is not just the policy of Ford, by virtue of the Governor’s Executive Orders. It is currently the law of this State.”
Speaking during his visit to Michigan this afternoon, it looks like the president is putting pressure on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue guidelines of some kind that will indicate it’s okay to restart in-person church services.
He made an eyebrow-raising statement a little earlier when he told a gathering of African American leaders: “We are opening our churches again. I think the CDC is going to put something out very soon, spoke to them today. I think they are going to put something out very soon. We got to open our churches.”
The president said the guidance was expected today or tomorrow. “I said you better put it out and they’re doing it and they’re going to be issuing something today or tomorrow and churches are going to get our churches open,” Trump said.
Leading federal public health officials have repeatedly urged caution about easing social distancing restrictions, warning it could cause a surge in coronavirus infections.
Klobuchar being vetted as possible VP choice.
No surprise in these reports, obviously, it would be a total shock if Joe Biden wasn’t strongly considering Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar to be his running mate.
But, while not officially confirmed, it’s always interesting to hear these things on the political grapevine.
Klobuchar would be an asset to Biden as a moderate mid-westerner appealing to swing voters in key states such as Michigan and Wisconsin.
She had a not-too-shabby campaign and was a hit at some of the Democratic debates with her pithy common sense approach, but struggled in the primaries and dropped out and endorsed Biden on the eve of Super Tuesday.
Biden has pledged to select a woman as his vice-presidential running mate. He is under pressure to pick a woman of color, but there is a relatively long and varied list of contenders for the ticket.
Trump is now participating in a listening session with African-American leaders at a Ford manufacturing plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, which has been repurposed to produce ventilators for coronavirus patients.
During the listening session, the president is sitting in front of a backdrop with the slogan “Transition to Greatness.”
Trump has repeatedly said in recent weeks that the US is “transitioning to greatness” in an effort to put the emphasis on the country’s very gradual reopening, even as the coronavirus death toll approaches 100,000.
Alumni of presidential campaigns have said the slogan is an attempt to deflect attention away from Trump’s handling of the coronavirus crisis, which has been widely criticized, and downplay economic distress as he seeks reelection.
Nearly three quarters of social media users think Trump should be banned or suspended from platforms for spreading false information about coronavirus.
According to a Morning Consult poll of 2,044 social media users, 37% say Trump should be banned for spreading such information, while 36% say he should be temporarily suspended.
There were marked partisan divisions in the polling results. While 23% of Republicans said the president should be banned, 47% of Democrats said the same.
Twitter announced last week that it would apply a new label to tweets containing misleading information about the pandemic.
However, the platform chose not to apply the label to multiple tweets from prominent Trump allies citing a press release that falsely claimed hydroxychloroquine has shown to be an effective treatment against coronavirus.
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale was one of the people circulating the statement from a widely criticized anti-vaccine group.
Trump lashed out against Fox News over Twitter, complaining that the network “is doing nothing to help Republicans, and me, get re-elected on November 3rd,” which of course is not actually the job of a news outlet.
The president said some Fox News hosts and commentators, such as anchor Neil Cavuto and former DNC chairwoman Donna Brazile, “repeat the worst of the Democrat speaking points.”
Cavuto expressed alarm earlier this week when Trump said he has been taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus, even though the FDA has said the anti-malaria drug should only be used as a potential coronavirus treatment in hospital settings.
“If you are taking this as a preventative treatment to ward off the virus, or in a worst-case scenario you are dealing with the virus and you are in this vulnerable population, it will kill you,” Cavuto said Monday. “I cannot stress that enough. This will kill you.”
Trump responded to Cavuto’s concerns by retweeting allies who called the an “idiot,” “foolish,” “gullible” and “an asshole.”
The Baltimore mayor is urging Trump to reconsider his planned visit to the Fort McHenry National Monument on Monday because the city remains under a stay-at-home order.
The White House announced last night that the president and first lady would participate in a Memorial Day ceremony at the site “to honor the American heroes who have sacrificed their lives serving in the US armed forces”.
But the Democratic mayor, Bernard Young, implored the president to reconsider the visit as the city continues to work to keep the spread of coronavirus under control.
“The city of Baltimore remains under a stay-at-home order that was put in place to help safeguard our residents from the dangers associated with Covid-19,” Young said in a statement.
“I wish that the president, as our nation’s leader, would set a positive example and not travel during this holiday weekend.” Young said that the city would “be prepared” if Trump decided to go ahead with his visit.
This is only the latest clash between Trump and Baltimore, which is about 40 miles from the White House. The president called the city a “rat and rodent-infested mess” last year, during a clash with the late Democratic congressman Elijah Cummings.