"Open Right Now": Pres. Trump Deems Houses of Worship Essential, Will Override Governors

Pres. Trump announced in a press briefing today that houses of worship are “essential.”

The statement comes after several governors closed places of worship, but allowed retailers and abortion clinics to open.

In a two-minute statement, the president said he “will override governors” if they do not “open right now.”

Here’s the full text of his statement:

“At my direction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing guidance for communities of faith,” Pres. Trump began. “Today, I am identifying houses of worship–churches, synagogues, and mosques–as essential places that provide essential services.

“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out churches and other houses of worship. It’s not right.

“So I’m correcting this injustice and calling houses of worship essential. I call upon governors to allow our churches and places of worship to open right now. If there’s any question, they’re going to have to call me, but they will not be successful in that call.

“These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united. The people are demanding to go to church and their synagogue, or mosque. Many millions of Americans embrace worship as an essential part of life.

“The ministers, pastors, rabbis, imams, and other faith leaders will make sure that their congregations are safe as they gather and pray.

“I know them well. They love their congregations. They love their people. They don’t want anything bad to happen to them or anybody else.

“The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important and essential places of faith to open right now–for this weekend. If they don’t do it, I will override the governors.

“In America, we need more prayer, not less.

Thank you very much.”