Conservatives Call Out Trump For Waffling On The Wuhanvirus Lockdown

After days of supporting nationwide protests against the crushing wuhanvirous lockdown measures, and pushing states to ease such measures, the president appeared to undercut Georgia governor who had announced plans to gradually reopen businesses starting Friday.

The president and his vice president Mike Pence reportedly called Governor Kemp on Tuesday and expressed support and praise for the move.

But speaking at the wuhanvirus White house press conference Wednesday, Trump in apparent about face, said he disagreed with Governor Kemp's decision. "I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities, which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for Georgia,"  the president said.

He added, “but at the same time, he must do what he thinks is right. I want him to do what he thinks is right, but I disagree with him on what he is doing.”

The President argued that the timing of the governor's decision is wrong. “I think it’s too soon, and I love the people. I love those people that use all of those things, the spas, the beauty parlors, the barbershops, tattoo parlors, I love them. But they can wait a little bit longer, just a little bit — not much — because safety has to predominate.”

Trump's comments drew swift criticism from conservatives on social media, who wondered why the president would publicly throw a republican governor 'under the bus' in such a callous manner. Governor Kemp after all, appears to be doing what the president has been pushing for in recent days - easing the lockdown and opening up the states for business. So why chastise the governor publicly?

Erick Erickson (@EWErickson) who is from Georgia, asked, "Why doesn’t the president support liberating Georgia?" And referring to president's recent tweets supporting protests against the lockdowns, Erickson joked, "LIBERATE THE STATES!! (Except Georgia)."

Andrew McCarthy (@AndrewCMcCarthy) tweeted, "what is the ‘timing’ disagreement with Kemp? Would ‘saving lives’ be a different calculation a week from now? A month from now?"

Popular conservative talk show host and military veteran Jesse Kelly (JessekellyDC) was more direct and harsh in his criticism of the president's comments.

Kelly in a number of tweets, wrote, "For those who’ve convinced themselves our wrecked economy is some Leftist plot, here you go. It’s not. Much as it sucks, Trump has been 100% behind these lockdowns. That’s simply a fact. For better or worse, he owns a lot of where we are. You can get mad at me all you want. I voted for him. I’ll happily vote for him again. But you absolutely cannot absolve him of responsibility for this economic disaster. Maybe he does know more. Maybe he’s been right all along. But 30 million unemployed, he owns it. People are scared to get yelled at. I’m not. They also think their silence is helpful. If you’re a Trump supporter, and I am, now is the time he NEEDS to hear your disagreement. You’re not a better supporter if you just agree with everything. You’re a chump."

American Greatness' Julie Kelly has apparently had enough too. "This absolutely cannot continue. Empty storefronts, empty hospitals, empty restaurants, empty offices. A crushing blow not just to the economy but to our collective psyche and spirit. The president needs to stop the daily coronavirus briefing and switch to updates on how to re-open economy ASAP. Americans need hope and political leaders, especially GOP govs, need cover from the White House. Enough arguing with reporters about ventilators: #ReopenAmerica,"  she  tweeted Thursday.

During the press conference, Coronavirus Taskforce member Dr anthony Fauci was also asked about Governor Kemp's decision.

“If I were advising the governor, I would tell him that he should be careful,” he said.

Fauci added, “I would advise him not to just turn the switch on and go, because there is a danger of a rebound,” he continued. “But going ahead and leapfrogging into phases where you should not be, I would advise him as a health official and as a physician not to do that.”

The governor in a statement on twitter, wrote, "Earlier today, I discussed Georgia's plan to reopen shuttered businesses for limited operations with @POTUS. I appreciate his bold leadership and insight during these difficult times and the framework provided by the White House to safely move states forward. Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials. We will continue with this approach to protect the lives - and livelihoods - of all Georgians. Just like the thousands of businesses currently operating throughout Georgia, I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to Minimum Basic Operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers."

WATCH part of the president's comments.