WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has the biggest megaphone, but it's governors and local officials who will decide when to begin reopening their economies after shuttering them to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The Constitution largely gives states the authority to regulate their own affairs. Trump has set Easter, April 12, as a goal for reopening the U.S.
economy, though he also has said he will be guided by his public health experts. Unless Americans continue to dramatically limit social interaction by staying home from work and isolating themselves, the number of infections will overwhelm the health care system, many health experts have warned.