President Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Michigan, entitling the state to more federal aid in the midst of criticism by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of the administration’s pandemic relief efforts.
The president issued the order on Friday to provide more federal funding for crisis counseling in all areas of the state.
Ms. Whitmer has criticized the administration for failing to supply the state with enough emergency medical supplies.
However, on Saturday she said the state had received a new shipment of supplies from Washington.
“This morning we received 112,800 N95 masks in our shipment from the strategic national stockpile w/8k more on the way,” she tweeted. “Great news for our health care workers. We’ll keep working hard along with FEMA and the White House to get more of the PPE we need to keep Michiganders safe.”
Ms. Whitmer said later Saturday that she had spoken on the phone with Vice President Mike Pence; on Friday, the president said he advised Mr. Pence not to deal with governors like Ms. Whitmer who criticize the administration’s response.
“Had a good call with @VP this morning,” she tweeted. “We’ll keep working around the clock with FEMA and the White House to get more of the personal protective equipment we need to keep Michiganders safe.
Stay home. Stay safe. Save lives.”
On Friday, the president said he wanted governors to be “appreciative” of the administration’s efforts.
“I tell him, ’Mike, don’t call the governor of Washington, you’re wasting your time with him,’” Mr. Trump said. “Don’t call the woman in Michigan. It doesn’t make any difference in what happens. If they don’t treat you right, I don’t call.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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