US President Trump threatens to pull Republican convention out of North Carolina over fears that virus restrictions would reduce his crowds
US President Donald Trump listens as North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper speaks while attending a briefing, September 19, 2018, in Havelock, NC. US President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina if the state's Democratic governor doesn't immediately sign off on allowing a full-capacity gathering in August despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
On Friday, Governor Roy Cooper moved the state into a second reopening phase by loosening restrictions on hair salons, barbers and restaurants. But he said the state must move cautiously, and he kept indoor entertainment venues, gyms and bars closed. “Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, @RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed... full attendance in the Arena,” Trump tweeted on Monday. He added that Republicans “must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced...to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site.” I love the Great State of North Carolina, so much so that I insisted on having the Republican National Convention in Charlotte at the end of August. Unfortunately, Democrat Governor,— Donald J. Trump Pre-pandemic, the GOP had estimated 50,000 would come to Charlotte for the convention centered around its NBA arena.“State health officials are working with the RNC and will review its plans as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte,” Cooper spokeswoman Dory MacMillan said in an email. Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday on Fox News Channel that convention planning takes months and suggested a state that's loosened more restrictions could host. He praised reopenings in Texas, Florida and Georgia - all states with Republican governors. Calling Trump's remarks “a very reasonable request," Pence told Fox that "having a sense now is absolutely essential because of the immense preparations that are involved, and we look forward to working with Governor Cooper, getting a swift response and, if needs be, if needs be, moving the national convention to a state that is farther along on reopening and can say with confidence that we can gather there.” Changing sites would be difficult for reasons including the contract between GOP officials and Charlotte leaders to hold the convention there. In April, the City Council voted to accept a $50 million federal grant for convention security. Before the vote, City Attorney Patrick Baker noted the overall contract requires parties to follow applicable laws and regulations, including Cooper's executive orders. Baker said then that GOP officials had discussed convention alternatives but did not elaborate. A week ago, Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel vowed on a call with reporters that the convention slated for August 24-27 would be held at least partly in person. During a subsequent Charlotte-area visit, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar sounded less certain when discussing convention preparations. He did not refer to a traditional in-person convention as a certainty, but rather noted that “we’re several months away from the possibility of the RNC.” Azar also praised Cooper's reopening moves. The state reported nearly 24,000 positive cases on Monday, a daily increase of about 740. On Saturday, the state reported 1,100 new cases, its biggest daily jump. Monday’s state tally includes about 750 deaths and 600 current hospitalizations. Before Monday, Cooper and Trump had displayed little friction during the pandemic. While Cooper has urged the federal government to provide more testing supplies and protective gear, he's avoided criticizing Trump by name. Trump, meanwhile, has largely refrained from calling out Cooper as he has other Democratic governors. Cooper narrowly beat an incumbent Republican in 2016 while Trump won the state. In this year's gubernatorial election, Cooper faces Republican Governor Dan Forest, who has urged a faster reopening of businesses.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump threatens to pull Republican convention out of North CarolinaThe President began a solemn Memorial Day railing against North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, ahead of the 2020 Republican National Convention. Trump threatened to pull the event out of Charlotte, where it's expected to be held August 24 to 27.
Read more »
Trump threatens to move GOP convention over coronavirus restrictions in North CarolinaPresident Donald Trump on Monday said that he 'will be reluctantly forced' to move the Republican National Convention if North Carolina doesn't ease up on social distancing restrictions to allow full attendance.
Read more »
Trump threatens to pull RNC 2020 from North Carolina unless Gov. Roy Cooper allows full attendance'This is not something I want to do,' President Donald Trump said of the threat.
Read more »
Trump Threatens To Move Republican Convention If North Carolina Doesn’t ReopenThe president wants to see “thousands of enthusiastic Republicans” in Charlotte, North Carolina at the end of August.
Read more »
Trump threatens to move Republican National Convention out of North CarolinaPresident Donald Trump threatened Monday to pull the Republican National Convention out of North Carolina if the state’s Democratic governor doesn’t...
Read more »