Raimondo Dismisses Trump: 'No Church In RI This Weekend'

PROVIDENCE, RI — Despite President Donald Trump's announcement that churches across the country should open their doors this weekend, there will not be any in-person faither services this weekend, Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Friday. The state will stick with its plan to reopen churches starting next weekend, she said.

According to the Associated Press, Trump said that houses of worship are essential, threatening to overrule governors who do not comply.

"We’ve got to get our churches open," Trump said. "These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united. The people are demanding to go to church and synagogue, go to their mosque."

During Friday's news conference, Raimondo said she is not aware of any authorization the president has to overrrule her decision on the matter.

"No church this weekend in Rhode Island," Raimondo said bluntly, adding that, since it is Friday, it would be irresponsible to reopen churches this weekend, as faith leaders would not have enough time to prepare.

On Wednesday, Raimondo announced that faith services will be allowed to resume with up to 25 percent of the building's capacity in the building, starting next Saturday. The state has worked closely with faith leaders to create regulations to keep attendees safe and maintain proper social distancing.