WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has shown no reluctance to use his White House perch to commend and criticize governors over steps they've taken to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
But one thing Trump can't do, despite his assertion to the contrary on Monday, is command them to ease restrictions they imposed because of the virus outbreak.
The Constitution largely gives states the authority to regulate their own affairs. Governors in both parties have said they are as eager as the president to reopen the economy, which has plummeted as businesses have been forced to close, putting millions of people out of work.