Fox’s Steve Doocy Says Trump Can Only ‘Make Suggestions’ on Coronavirus: ‘It’s Up to the Governors’

Fox News host Steve Doocy downplayed President Donald Trump’s role in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic on Monday, claiming the President could merely offer suggestions on how to handle the crisis and passing the buck to state governors.

The Fox & Friends host was talking to Republican Congressman Chip Roy, whose home state of Texas is now dealing with infections. Roy praised Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his actions.

“I think the governor is doing a great job of keeping things going while trying to make sure we are maintaining the distancing necessary to try to arrest the spread of the virus in Texas,” Roy said.

“Absolutely, Congressman,” Doocy said. “You know, a lot of people think it’s the President who can order states to do different things.”

“He can make suggestions but ultimately it’s up to the governors and every governor gets to figure out what is best for their locality,” Doocy said.

President Trump has also tried to pass the buck to governors, attacking some Democratic governors, while even some Republicans have begun to contradict him on issues like testing. While the President may not have the authority to simply override state governments, during a national crisis advice or direction from the White House would certainly be taken very seriously.

The President can also take measures at a federal level, such as properly invoking the Defense Production Act, which Trump has so far been reluctant to do.

Watch the video above, via Fox News.