Only the public can reopen the economy

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/only-the-public-can-reopen-the-economy/2020/04/15/0af81862-7f21-11ea-a3ee-13e1ae0a3571_story.html

New York’s Andrew M. Cuomo (D) complained that Trump seemed to think he was America’s “king.”

Pennsylvania’s Tom Wolf (D) was more restrained but not less clear. “Seeing as how we had the responsibility to close the state down, I think we probably have the primary responsibility for opening it up,” Wolf said.

Strictly speaking, Wolf was right. Although the president could use the leverage of federal aid to pressure governors, the states are ultimately sovereign over public health, and only they can exercise the kind of police powers involved in enforcing closures and other restrictions. The Supreme Court has repeatedly made clear that the federal government cannot commandeer state officials to enforce its edicts.