MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Trump said calling Gov. Inslee is a waste of time

Mar 27, 2020, 3:59 PM | Updated: Oct 8, 2024, 7:16 am

President Trump praised Vice President Mike Pence’s work with the Coronavirus Taskforce, specifically for keeping open lines of communication with the governors in every state when Trump admitted he would not do the same.

“He calls all the governors,” Trump said. “I tell him, I mean, I’m a different type of person, I say, ‘Mike, don’t call the governor of Washington, you’re wasting your time with him. Don’t call the woman in Michigan.’ … You know what I say? If they don’t treat you right, I don’t call. He’s a different type of person, he’ll call quietly anyway.”

“But he’s done a great job,” Trump added, complimenting Pence. “He should be appreciated for the job he’s done.”

In another remark during the same White House briefing on Friday, Trump called out Gov. Inslee’s presidential campaign.

“I think we’d done a great job for the state of Washington,” Trump said. “And I think the governor is a failed presidential candidate, as you know, he leveled out at zero in the polls. He’s constantly tripping and, I guess, complaining would be a nice way of saying it. We’re building hospitals. We’ve done a great job for the state of Washington.”

These comments come one day after The Washington Post reported that Inslee butted heads with President Trump over the role the White House is taking in the nation’s coronavirus response.

The President had told governors that his administration was operating as “backup” to states dealing with a outbreak on the front lines.

“We don’t need a backup — we need a Tom Brady,” Inslee responded.

Later on Thursday night, President Trump reiterated his stance to Fox News host Sean Hannity, labeling the White House as “a second line of attack.”

“The first line of attack is supposed to be the hospitals and the local government and the states,” he added.

States like Washington and New York have been asking the federal government for additional aid for weeks, calling for tens of thousands of ventilators, protective equipment, and more. That’s despite the President positing Thursday that “a lot of equipment is being asked for that I don’t think they’ll need.”

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

This NOAA satellite image shows the magnitude of the storm moving inland from the Pacific Ocean. (P...

Ted Buehner, KIRO Newsradio Meteorologist

What to expect as Western Washington’s first big fall storm arrives Saturday night

The fall season’s first strong weather system will sweep through Western Washington tonight, bringing strong winds and rain.

14 hours ago

Pierce County man sentenced child sex crimes...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Pierce County man sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for child sex crimes

A Pierce County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after attempting to arrange the sexual abuse of children and producing child sexual abuse material, federal prosecutors announced.

23 hours ago

home listings...

Frank Lenzi

Home listings jump more than 25%: Is it a buyer’s market?

If you’re thinking about buying a house, now might be a good time: Home listings have risen, and pending sales have declined.

1 day ago

Grays Harbor...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Grays Harbor deputies seek information about deadly hit-and-run near Satsop

The Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help after a 53-year-old man was found dead along a road near Satsop last week.

1 day ago

first responders...

Luke Duecy

Renton firefighter shot while responding to call highlights dangers facing first responders

A Renton firefighter was shot. The shooting is another example of the dangers first responders face while trying to help people in crisis.

1 day ago

Macklemore (3)...

Julia Dallas

Macklemore says Climate Pledge Arena among venues that rejected his ‘Free Palestine Tour’

Macklemore said several venues, including Climate Pledge Arena, have rejected his efforts to bring his “Free Palestine Tour” to the U.S.

1 day ago

Trump said calling Gov. Inslee is a waste of time