Dr. Scott Atlas (Photo: Twitter)
The Trump inner circle continues to push back against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's efforts to tame the Covid virus through limits on restaurants, bars, other recreation and schools.
Dr. Scott Atlas, a radiologist with no public health expetrience who joined the White House coronavirus task force in August, tweeted Sunday night after Whitmer announced a new round of rules:
The only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept. #FreedomMatters #StepUp https://t.co/8QKBszgKTM
— Scott W. Atlas (@SWAtlasHoover) November 15, 2020
A little while later, he tweeted: "Hey. I NEVER was talking at all about violence. People vote, people peacefully protest. NEVER would I endorse or incite violence. NEVER!!"
On MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Whitmer said Monday morning that Atlas' response "took my breath away," The Detroit News posts.
"We've been going through this for nine months. And right now, the numbers are as bad as they've been at any give" time. And so we have to take aggressive measures with the vacuum of leadership in Washington, D.C." Whitmer said. "It's on the states' governors to do what we can to save lives."
State Attorney General Dana Nessel weighed in on Twitter.
This statement is disappointing, irresponsible, and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19. I look forward to a new federal administration that works cooperatively with our state government to protect Michigan residents. https://t.co/OAnb0epnNh
— Dana Nessel (@dananessel) November 16, 2020
In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan said Atlas is "behaving like a moron." And from Washington, a more prominent presidential adviser -- Dr. Anthony Fauci -- commented: "I totally disagree with it, and I made no secret of that. I mean I don't want to say anything against Dr. Atlas as a person, but I totally disagree with the stand he takes."
A three-week epidemic order from the health department, taking effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, bans in-person high school and college classes Inside service at bars and restaurants Casinos, theatrers, bowling centers, ice rinks and group excercise.
