California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is praising President Donald Trump for the federal governmentâs swift delivery of swabs for coronavirus testing in his state.
During Wednesdayâs appearance on NBCâs âThe Today Show,â Newsom was asked if the federal government had been sufficiently providing the resources his state needs to combat the pandemic.
âIn many cases, they have,â Newsom said. âAnd Iâm just speaking candidly and honestly for the state of California. Last week, I called the president personally and said we need more swabs for specimen collections so we can sustainably increase our testing capacity. They were delivered the next day.â
Newsom noted his awareness of other governors having different experiences with the president. However, he made it clear that his experience is based solely on the Trump administrationâs assistance in handling the Coronavirus Outbreak in California.
âI mean this from the bottom of my heart. Iâm really focused on doing my job, trying to save lives day-in and day-out, putting my head down,â he said.
See Newsomâs remarks below:
Newsom went on to explain why he opts to stay focused on the main goal while disregarding the negative aspects and obstacles.
âI try to avoid the finger-pointing and the hand-ringing. Itâs just too many American lives here at stake in the state of California and in an extent, we need more support, we do. But we also have to be resourceful and California is a nationâs state, has the capacity to do more than many and we need to be held to account, as well.â
Like many other states, Newsom is also exploring options to slowly begin reopening California. Confirming the state had entered phase one of reopening, Newsom tweeted about the outlined plans to gradually reopen the stateâs economy.
As of Wednesday morning, California has more than 46,000 positive coronavirus cases.