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| Shealah Craighead/White House |
Trump described Cooper as “still in shutdown mood,” referring to the restrictions he imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and unable to “guarantee that by August we will be allowed full attendance in the Arena.”
“In other words, we would be spending millions of dollars building the Arena to a very high standard without knowing if the Democrat Governor would allow the Republican Party to fully occupy the space.”
He added, “Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August. They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This not something I want to do. Thank you, and I LOVE the people of North Carolina.”
...full attendance in the Arena. In other words, we would be spending millions of dollars building the Arena to a very high standard without even knowing if the Democrat Governor would allow the Republican Party to fully occupy the space. Plans are being....— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2020
The Republican National Convention is scheduled to occur from August 24-27 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Republican Party has insisted on having their convention in-person. The Democratic National Convention was rescheduled to August 17-20 due to the coronavirus, after intending to have it in July — and is considering having socially-distance or virtual elements added....to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. This is not something I want to do. Thank you, and I LOVE the people of North Carolina!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2020
Democratic governor Roy Cooper put the state in Phase Two of lifting their coronavirus restrictions, allowing restaurants, salons, and barbers to open at 50 percent capacity. However, large gatherings are still prohibited.
Charolette Mayor Vi Lyles said in a statement that with “health and safety of our residents and visitors being the top priority,” the city will follow guidance from the state, public health officials, and the governor to determine “the best and safest way to host the Republican National Convention.”
While I've remained consistent in my statements regarding the RNC being held in Charlotte, the science and data will ultimately determine what we will collectively do for our city.— Mayor Vi Lyles (@CLTMayor) May 25, 2020
Georgia governor Brian Kemp offered the state of Georgia as a new convention site if the RNC is unable to be hosted in North Carolina.
“With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican Nation Convention. We hope you will consider the Peach State,” Kemp said.
Texas Republican Party Chairman James Dickey told the American-Statesman Monday he’d be happy to host the Republican National Convention.
“Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention,” Dickey told the newspaper. “Until then, based upon Gov. Abbott’s progress in opening Texas, we are on track for our state convention as planned in person in Houston in July.”
This article was last modified on May 25, 2020 at 1:45 PM ET