MI Lawmaker Wants Whitmer Impeached After Latest Restrictions

MICHIGAN — Michigan has ordered high schools and universities across the state to halt in-person classes, also closing eateries to indoor dining — the latest restrictions issued in the state as the number of new coronavirus infections skyrockets.

But the restrictions, which take place Wednesday and will remain in effect for three weeks until Dec. 8, are too much, according to some state officials who now are calling for the impeachment of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Matt Maddock, a state representative who represents parts of Oakland County, said Whitmer "crossed the line" with the restrictions, and he is calling for the governor's impeachment.

In responding to Maddock's tweet, Tiffany Brown, a spokeswoman with Whitmer's office, told WXYZ the governor doesn't have time for "partisan politics or people who don't wear masks, don't believe in science, and don't have a plan to fight this virus."

"Right now, she is focused on saving lives," Brown said. "The governor will continue to work hard for all 10 million Michiganders. This is about Michigan vs. COVID-19. Governor Whitmer doesn't care if you're a Trump Republican or a Biden Democrat. We are all in this together.”

The new restrictions were announced Sunday night during a news conference.

State health officials cited a recent spike in COVID-19 virus infections in issuing the restrictions, which include capping indoor residential gatherings to people from no more than two households and limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people.

Michigan has seen an uptick in new coronavirus cases in recent weeks. As of Saturday, the state had reported more than 251,000 confirmed cases of the virus and nearly 8,000 reported COVID-19-releated deaths.

The state also has reported that over 138,000 people in the state have recovered from the virus.

Whitmer said that data gathered by state health officials suggests that if Michigan stays on its current track, it could see more than 1,000 COVID-19-related deaths per week. Officials also said they are investigating 980 COVID-19 virus outbreaks across the state — including over 200 in schools.

"I want you to think about that," Whitmer said Sunday. "One thousand deaths per week is what one of the models tells us to date."

But the restrictions were not met with open arms. In addition to Maddock's comments, Scott Atlas, an adviser with President Donald Trump, posted to Twitter that "the only way this stops is if people rise up. You get what you accept."

The tweet drew immediate criticism for what some saw as its apparent suggestion for violence.

Responding to a question about Atlas' tweet, Whitmer told CNN she won't be bullied into not following health guidelines.

"We know that the White House likes to single us out here in Michigan, me out in particular," she said. "I'm not going to be bullied into not following reputable scientists and medical professionals."

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who issued a statement supporting the restrictions amid the pandemic, called Atlas' comments "irresponsible."

"This statement is disappointing, irresponsible, and the reason why the United States finds itself in such desperate circumstances regarding COVID-19," she said on Twitter. "I look forward to a new federal administration that works cooperatively with our state government to protect Michigan residents."

Atlas has since attempted to clear up his intention regarding the tweet, saying he never "was talking at all about violence."

"People vote, people peacefully protest," he tweeted. "NEVER would I endorse or incite violence. NEVER!!"

GOP lawmakers in Michigan had their own gripes with the restrictions, with Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey on Sunday issuing a statement that criticized Whitmer for not working more with Republican legislators and instead going on her own to issue the restrictions.

“The Senate Republicans will continue working with our doctors and the medical community on ways we can combat this virus and are ready to work with the governor when she decides to work as a team to fight this virus,” he said.

Information and reporting from The Associated Press contributed to this report.