President Trump on Wednesday praised the Michigan Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers, calling it a “big win” for the state.
The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday struck down Whitmer’s emergency ruling, saying the governor had issued her numerous executive orders pertaining to coronavirus restrictions unconstitutionally, rendering them null.
Whitmer had cited her authority under the Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945. Republicans said that the governor should have used a 1976, which requires legislature approval after a continued emergency declaration lasting 28 days.
“[The Emergency Powers of the Governor Act of 1945] is an unlawful delegation of legislative power to the executive branch in violation of the Michigan Constitution,” Justice Stephen Markman wrote in the majority opinion. “Accordingly, the executive orders issued by the governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic now lack any basis under Michigan law.”
Trump praised the ruling on Wednesday.
We just got a BIG win for the people of Michigan. Open up your Churches and your Schools. Auto companies pouring in and expanding (thank you Mr. President!). Have fun! https://t.co/Bmj9f32DZV
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2020
Whitmer shot back at the president, telling him that American citizens are still waiting for a second round of pandemic relief.
Mr. President, millions of hardworking Americans are relying on you for a COVID-19 relief package. Get to work. https://t.co/vBeWt2KXCd
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) October 7, 2020
Trump said on Tuesday that he had told leaders to end talks about the full pandemic relief bill until after the election, although he later said that he would pass a standalone bill for $1,200 relief checks “immediately.”
If I am sent a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY. I am ready to sign right now. Are you listening Nancy? @MarkMeadows @senatemajldr @kevinomccarthy @SpeakerPelosi @SenSchumer
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 7, 2020
Whitmer has repeatedly pushed back on the state’s Supreme Court ruling, filing an order on Monday asking the court to clarify that the ruling does not take place until October 30. The governor said that such a “transition period” would protect Michigan workers.”
Republican legislators have disagreed with Whitmer, saying that the court’s order takes effect immediately.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued its own mask mandate. Whitmer has also said she will issue similar rulings under “alternative sources of authority.”
– – –
Jordyn Pair is a reporter with The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair.
Photo “Gretchen Whitmer” by Gretchen Whitmer. Background Photo “Michigan Supreme Court Justices” by michigan.gov.
