Oct 08, 2020

Trump backs South Dakota governor's handling of COVID-19

Posted Oct 08, 2020 2:50 PM

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — President Donald Trump has tweeted in support of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s hands-off approach to managing the coronavirus pandemic despite a surge of cases in the state.

Trump retweeted a clip of Noem’s speech to the state Legislature Monday with a comment encouraging people to watch her address.

Noem said she provided a blueprint of how to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic without heavy-handed government mandates.

Noem asserted that her approach, including her refusal to issue a stay-at-home order, was the right one despite a surge in cases in South Dakota.

Noem has carved out a national following among conservatives and is heading back to the president’s campaign trail this week.