WASHINGTON: Defying and disregarding continued warnings from government experts that ending the coronavirus-driven shutdown prematurely could set back the quest to return to normal and result in needless suffering and death down the line, US President
Donald Trump
on Tuesday pressed states, governors, and businesses to re-open, saying the American people are “warriors” and the country would “transition to greatness” on his watch.
The remarkable spectacle of the President flouting his own experts and bearing down on Democratic-run states to end the lockdown came amid growing tension and even strife across America between those who want the country to re-open regardless of consequences or because they believe the pandemic is overhyped, and those who believe they are vulnerable and a reckless reopening will put them and the country in even greater trouble.
The furious debate was illustrated by a high-profile clash in California between the local administration and
Elon Musk
, CEO of the automaker Tesla, who said he is