U.S. President Donald Trump makes a statement to reporters about reopening places of worship across the United States by declaring them "essential" during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, US on May 22, 2020. (REUTERS Photo)
WASHINGTON, May 25 (Reuters): U.S. President Donald Trump warned on Monday that he may move the Republican National Convention from North Carolina set for August if the event faces state social distancing restrictions as a result of the coronavirus.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to halt campaign rallies. Some have raised concerns that the large formal nominating conventions that are typically packed with delegates could raise safety issues.
Trump said on Twitter that if Democratic Governor Roy Cooper does not immediately answer "whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied," then the party will find "with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site."
The conventions include prime-time TV speeches that serve to kick off the final sprint toward the November presidential election. The Republican event is set to start Aug. 24 in Charlotte.
Cooper's office said in a statement Monday that "state health officials are working with the RNC and will review its plans as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte. North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state's public health and safety."
Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News it is "absolutely essential" that Cooper gives a "swift response" or the convention could be moved to a state that is "farther along on reopening.
The Democratic National Convention, which was postponed by a month because of the coronavirus, is set to begin Aug. 17 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
A spokeswoman for the DNC event said this month the convention will follow health officials "guidance to determine how many people can safely gather in Milwaukee this August."
Trump won North Carolina by 3.7% in 2016. Biden's campaign thinks the state is one of many that went for Trump that are up for grabs this year.
