Shutterstock
President Trump says he plans to host the Republican National Convention in another state after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said he’s not making any promises.
On May 30, the Chairwoman and President of the RNC sent a letter to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. In the letter, they demanded that a “full convention” be held. This would require “19,000 delegates, alternative delegates, staff, volunteers, elected officials and guests inside the Spectrum Center.”
The RNC also required “full hotels and restaurants and bars at capacity” in the letter.
Cooper won’t provide a “guarantee” of the convention happening this way.
“The people of North Carolina do not know what the status of COVID-19 will be in August so planning for a scaled-down convention with fewer people, social distancing and face coverings is a necessity,” wrote Cooper in a letter to RNC officials. Trump reportedly doesn’t want those requirements in place during the event.
Republican Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel fired back at Cooper, saying he hasn’t been clear about what “scaled down” means.
On Twitter, she wrote: “Currently, you allow 10 people to gather indoors. Is that what scaled down means? Or is it 100 people? 1,000 people? Total lack of clarity from you.”
What’s unfortunate is that you still have yet to give guidance on what “scaled down” means. Currently, you allow 10 people to gather indoors. Is that what scaled down means? Or is it 100 people? 1,000 people? Total lack of clarity from you. https://t.co/4ceHrGRGu3
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) June 3, 2020
Related: Bishop Outraged by Trump Visit, ‘I just can’t believe what my eyes have seen’
After Gov. Cooper made it clear that he would keep social-distancing guidelines in place for the RNC convention, Donald Trump responded on Twitter.
“Governor Cooper is still in Shelter-in-Place Mode, and not allowing us to occupy the arena as originally anticipated and promised,” he tweeted. “We are now forced to seek another state to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.”
Had long planned to have the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place I love. Now, @NC_Governor Roy Cooper and his representatives refuse to guarantee that we can have use of the Spectrum Arena – Spend millions of dollars, have everybody arrive, and…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 3, 2020
According to a Republican National Committee official, the nomination part of the event will be held in another city.
“Should the governor allow more than 10 people in a room, we still hope to conduct the official business of the convention in Charlotte,” said the official.
After Trump replied on Twitter, Cooper responded in kind. He wrote: “We have been committed to a safe RNC convention in North Carolina and it’s unfortunate they never agreed to scale down and make changes to keep people safe. Protecting public health and safety during this pandemic is a priority.”
North Carolina recently reported its highest 1-day spike of COVID-19 cases and the number is expected to rise following protests in the city in support of George Floyd.
Related: Experts Warn Protests Could Cause Catastrophic COVID-19 Spike
In other news, if you ever needed a reason to purchase sensitive teeth toothpaste, we’ve found one.
