DETROIT (WXYZ) — In a 7 Action News interview with Brian Abel, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer responded to president Donald Trump's comments about her executive order in Saturday's White House COVID-19 Task Force meeting where he said "She has things, don't buy paint, don't buy roses, don't buy... I mean she's got all these crazy things."
"it's fine," said Whitmer. "We have the third highest number of deaths in the country, and we're only the tenth largest state. That just tells you how we have a disproportionate threat here in Michigan and it calls for stronger policies than any other state in the nation has."
On testing for COVID-19, Whitmer says Michigan could be doing 2-3 times as many test as now, but Michigan doesn't have enough swabs and reagents.
"These are critical components to being able to do these test," said Whitmer, you adds Michigan is competing with every other state in the supply chain.
When pressed if she will consider proposals put forth by republicans in the Michigan legislature to reopen the state's economy, Whitmer said she will "take input from lots of different people and different industry."
"We've got to be smart about how we re-engage. It's going to come in waves," said Whitmer.
On NBC's Meet The Press, Whitmer told Chuck Todd she has no regrets with her most recent executive order, adding to 7 Action News: "I think the order was absolutely necessary."
"It won't do any good if we don't take this seriously and jump back into life as it was and have another stay home order later in the year," said Whitmer.
Responding to images on social media and seen at a Lansing protest on March 15th comparing the governor to Adolf HItler, Whitmer said the acts are deplorable.
"Frankly disgusting that people would invoke that moment from history to liken it to a stay home order," said Whitmer.
With daily COVID-19 data showing a potential plateau in Michigan, Gov. Whitmer was asked if Michigan has seen it's peak in the pandemic.
"It depends on if we can continue to observe the stay home order," said Whitmer.
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