WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to breaking news that Donald Trump is encouraging Americans to “liberate” states with stay-at-home orders issued by Democratic governors, People For the American Way Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statement:

“After reversing course and declaring that the decision to open up states, and relax the stay-at-home orders put in place to protect public health, is the prerogative of the states, Donald Trump is completely undermining that message with his reckless tweets calling on his supporters to protest those decisions. Not only do his tweets contradict his own public message, but they also undercut the advice of public health experts about how to stop the virus from spreading even more rapidly. He is playing politics with people’s lives and turning this crisis into a political circus. In order to safely reopen the country, we need testing and clear-headed leadership, not impulsive, irresponsible tweets from this president.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org