Thousands of
Americans backed by rightwing donors gear up for
protestsConservative activists to demand
governors lift stay-home orders – and movement has been
driven by wealthy conservative groups
By Adam Gabbatt
April 19, 2020 "Information
Clearing House" -
Conservative
activists are demanding governors lift orders designed
to stop the spread of the coronavirus, despite the
recommendations of public health officials. Trump, who
has clashed with Democratic governors over how soon to
reopen the US economy,
tweeted his support on
Friday, in an unprecedented endorsement of civil
disobedience by a sitting president.
Many of
the planned rallies have been inspired by
a protest at the Michigan state capitol
on Wednesday, which was attended by thousands.
Yet while organisers claim the protests are
grassroots- and people-driven, a closer look reveals a
movement driven by traditional rightwing groups,
including one funded by the family of Trump’s education
secretary, Betsy DeVos.
