New York Governor: "Trump Administration Has No Authority to Reopen Schools"

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York State
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] New York Governor Andrew Cuomo emphasized that U.S. President Donald Trump cannot decide whether schools in New York State will reopen for classes.

Governor Cuomo stated on the 8th (local time) that the decision for schools across the state to open for the fall semester is made by the state government, not the federal government.

He explained, "We will make decisions based on science and data," and said he would decide on reopening schools in early August.

Cuomo's remarks came after President Trump threatened to cut government funding if schools do not open. In response to Trump's pressure, Cuomo said, "Try to threaten me, try to threaten me. This is not the first time," expressing his intention to ignore Trump's threats.

Governor Cuomo also drew a line regarding New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's announcement that the city would conduct both online and offline classes in the fall semester, stating that it requires state government approval.