GOP governors vow to fight Biden's vaccine mandate 'to the gates of hell'



President Joe Biden is ushering in COVID-19 vaccine mandates for up to 100 million Americans. However, many Republican governors are vowing to fight back against the sweeping coronavirus vaccine mandate. At least 23 GOP governors denounced Biden's vaccine mandate.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned the humanity of Biden's forced vaccinations.

"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice on the vaccine?" DeSantis said. "I just think that's fundamentally wrong. I do not believe that people should lose their jobs over this issue, and we will fight that."

"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice o… https://t.co/EC6R95pH7A

— Christina Pushaw (@ChristinaPushaw) 1631222250.0

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the mandates are "an assault on private businesses" and pledged to "halt this power grab."

"Biden's vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses," Abbott said. "I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans' right to choose whether they get the COVID vaccine & added it to the special session agenda. Texas is already working to halt this power grab."

Biden’s vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses.I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans’ right… https://t.co/atwY5FuQeL

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) 1631229046.0

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told Biden, "See you in court."

South Dakota will stand up to defend freedom. @JoeBiden see you in court.

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) 1631218458.0

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed, "I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration."

I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration.

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) 1631222708.0

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Biden's vaccine mandates are "nonsense."

"President Biden has overreached with these new mandates, and we're united in fighting back," Ivey said on Friday. "I'm partnering alongside my conservative colleagues across the country in this fight. This is a fight for businesses, our hardworking men and women, and our American liberties."

"I encourage Alabamians to take the vaccine – have been since the beginning, but we're never going to mandate it," Ivey continued. "And we certainly aren't going to allow Washington, D.C., and this president to tell Alabama what to do. Here in Alabama, we don't put up with that nonsense."

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said the Biden administration's "unconstitutional overreach of executive power has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."

"The Biden Administration's announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses is an egregious example of big government overreach," Gordon stated. "Our Constitution was written and fought for to protect our liberties as American citizens."

"This administration's latest pronouncement demonstrates its complete disregard for the rule of law and the freedoms individuals and private companies enjoy under our Constitution," he tweeted. "In Wyoming, we believe that government must be held in check. I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration's unconstitutional overreach of executive power. It has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."

The Biden Administration’s announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses i… https://t.co/4QU6gcGDd4

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226025.0


I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration’s unconstitut… https://t.co/0MukHPAeey

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226026.0

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also accused the Biden administration of overreach.

"This is exactly the kind of big government overreach we have tried so hard to prevent in Arizona — now the Biden-Harris administration is hammering down on private businesses and individual freedoms in an unprecedented and dangerous way," Ducey explained. "This will never stand up in court."

"This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice. We must and will push back," Ducey said.

This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displ… https://t.co/AjtEWeqxPw

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) 1631218792.0

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee called the mandate a "power grab."

"'This is not about freedom' is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President's mouth," Lee said, quoting Biden's speech on Thursday.

"For a fight that requires working together, a lot of cynical and divisive edicts came out of the White House today pitting the vaccinated against the unvaccinated, businesses against employees, and the federal government against states," Lee added. "The Constitution won't allow this power grab, and in the meantime, I will stand up for all Tennesseans."

“This is not about freedom” is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President’s mouth.

— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) 1631230295.0


Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said his state will "stand up" and "explore all our options" with the attorney general.

"President Biden's announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government's power," Ricketts wrote. "This plan isn't about public health – this is about government control and taking away personal liberties."

"Americans, not the federal government, are responsible for taking charge of their personal health," he continued. "It is not the role of the federal government to mandate their choices. Nebraska will stand up…working with the Attorney General to explore all our options."

President Biden’s announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government’s po… https://t.co/Lu9gF1Tymj

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224920.0


Nebraska will stand up to President Biden’s overreach, and we will be working with the Attorney General to explore… https://t.co/XkLIDxBSKH

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224922.0

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster blasted Biden for turning the American dream into a nightmare.

"The American Dream has turned into a nightmare under President Biden and the radical Democrats," McMaster exclaimed. "They have declared war against capitalism, thumbed their noses at the Constitution, and empowered our enemies abroad."

"Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian," he declared.

Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian.

— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) 1631221934.0

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said he is already discussing "options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan."

"We've reached out to the ND Attorney General to discuss options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan to impose a vaccine mandate on private businesses," Burgum said. "This gross federal overreach goes against everything I believe as a governor, business owner & American."

"The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and we will always vigorously defend states' rights," he declared.

The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and… https://t.co/fit0erSIkc

— Gov. Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) 1631289273.0

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said there will be no "government vaccine mandates" in his state.

"It is not the government's role to dictate to private businesses what to do," Stitt stated. "Once again President Biden is demonstrating his complete disregard for individual freedoms and states' rights."

"As long as I am governor, there will be no government vaccine mandates in Oklahoma," he proclaimed. "My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration's federal overreach."

My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration’s federal overreach.

— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) 1631223360.0

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson promised to fight back against the federal government.

"Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision that should remain as such," Parson stated. "My administration will always fight back against federal power grabs and government overreach that threatens to limit our freedoms."

Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision… https://t.co/VMFEhpCakn

— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) 1631225871.0

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wrote, "I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of preventing virus spread - the vaccine is our best tool to stop COVID - but people and business owners should make their own decisions about vaccination."

I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of… https://t.co/cye9KrVVLS

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) 1631291315.0

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Biden's "unconstitutional move is terrifying."

"The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private business," Reeves said. "The vaccine itself is life-saving, but this unconstitutional move is terrifying. This is still America, and we still believe in freedom from tyrants."

The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private… https://t.co/8TE96tzAQX

— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) 1631223585.0

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Americans need to do what's best for them, and Biden's order will worsen the workforce shortage.

"President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our lives while dismissing the ability of Iowans and Americans to make healthcare decisions for themselves," Reynolds declared. "Biden's plan will only worsen our workforce shortage and further limit our economic recovery."

"As I've said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families," she continued. "It's time for President Biden to do the same. Enough is enough."

President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our… https://t.co/1tyXUbbycl

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222353.0


As I’ve said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their fa… https://t.co/7m9IhNpsU3

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222384.0

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb pushed back against Biden's vaccine mandate.

"I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that will end the pandemic," Holcome began his tweet thread. "However, I strongly believe it's not the state or federal government's role to issue a vaccine mandate upon citizens & private businesses. This is the approach our administration has taken all along."

"The announcement from President Biden is a bridge too far. Private businesses should be able to look at their own mission, their staff & their goals & make the decision best for them that will keep their doors open," he said. "I believe it is fundamentally a citizen's right to choose whether or not to get the vaccine. While I wish everyone would get the vaccine, we are a country built on this exact type of freedom."

I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that… https://t.co/HFINyVkE7y

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) 1631288011.0


Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statement, "Today's actions from President Biden amount to government overreach. Government should stay out of decisions involving employers and their employees as much as possible. I've advocated for and championed fewer government regulations and mandates on business."

I still urge Idahoans to choose safe and effective ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 for the continued healt… https://t.co/85UVT70OTB

— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) 1631224892.0

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte slammed the vaccine mandate, "President Biden's vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans' freedoms and liberties against this gross federal overreach."

President Biden’s vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans’ freedo… https://t.co/28VFvCxPwR

— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) 1631223557.0

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued a statement against the order.

"I have been consistent in the freedom of businesses to require their employees to be vaccinated, and I have opposed the government from saying businesses cannot exercise that freedom," Hutchinson noted. "The same principle should protect the private sector from government overreach that requires them to vaccinate all employees."

In response to President Biden’s Covid-19 action plan: https://t.co/550XsT704V

— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) 1631224198.0

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy called to remove Biden via the 25th Amendment.

"This is ridiculous and unenforceable. If there was ever a case for the 25th Amendment…," Dunleavy suggested.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reacted by saying, "Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing people can do right now to protect ourselves and our community and reduce the spread of the Delta variant. While we support efforts that encourage vaccinations, we have serious concerns about the legality of the order."

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice stated, "I absolutely think that that is wrong. I am absolutely not in support of doing that in any way in the state of West Virginia."

Ohio governor rolls out 'lottery' for vaccinated adults, offering $1M payouts



Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced Wednesday that the state will soon hold lottery drawings exclusively for vaccinated adults, and winners will take home $1 million each.

What are the details?

DeWine revealed the new plan during an address to his state, touting the progress Ohioans have made in the fight against COVID-19 and announcing that state government's coronavirus restrictions would end as of June 2 — outside of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

He then offered incentives for more people to get vaccinated against the virus.

"Two weeks from tonight on May 26th, we will announce a winner of a separate drawing for adults who have received at least their first dose of the vaccine," DeWine explained in a tweet. "This announcement will occur each Wednesday for five weeks, and the winner each Wednesday will receive one million dollars."

The Republican noted that the drawings would be conducted by the Ohio Lottery, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health, and "the money will come from existing federal Coronavirus Relief funds."

"I know that some may say, 'DeWine, you're crazy! This million-dollar drawing idea of yours is a waste of money,'" he wrote in a later tweet. "But truly, the real waste at this point in the pandemic -- when the vaccine is readily available to anyone who wants it -- is a life lost to COVID-19."

The governor also announced that 12 to 17-year-olds who get vaccinated (now that Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine is approved for that age group) will be offered a lottery of their own, where winners "will receive a full, four-year scholarship at our State of Ohio universities," including "tuition, room and board, and books."

DeWine noted that 78% of Ohioans 65 and older have been vaccinated, and he is making a push for more of the rest of the population to get the shots.

"Our cases are down, but that's only because 42% of our population can no longer get the virus and can no longer spread it" due to vaccination, DeWine said, according to WOIO-TV.

How are people reacting?

The feedback on DeWine's lottery was mixed on social media.

Some people praised the scheme, with one tweeting, "This is genius. That 5 million dollar cost is much less than what the marketing cost would be to convince even half the amount of people to get a dose of the vaccine that a **very slim** chance at one million dollars would convince. Props to whoever thought of that."

Another wrote, "It's a crazy idea, but it will almost certainly get *a lot* of people who otherwise would not get the vaccine to do so. If it gets a few 100,000 extra people vaccinated, it will save the state a ton of money in the long run."

Others slammed the move. One person reacted, "So now we're using tax payers money to bribe parents into getting Covid shots for kids. Lol. DeWine has got to go. This guy is a clown. We have such terrible leadership at the highest levels in Ohio. @GovMikeDeWine role as Governor will terminated next election. Mark my words."

Someone else wrote, "What the hell is this, Mike? I mean, we're used to Republicans wasting our tax money, but I'm pretty sure a lottery wasn't part of the stimulus deal. A million dollars could be used so much better elsewhere. Does Washington know you're misappropriating our money?"

Horowitz: Ohio legislature delivers smackdown to Gov. DeWine’s royal COVID powers



One year after "15 days to flatten the curve," aka the greatest infringement upon individual rights by executive power in American history, legislatures have been shockingly slow and tepid in making sure this mistake never happens again. However, there are some potential bright spots, one of them in the Buckeye State.

In Ohio, we have the first legislature in the country to finally pass a meaningful limitation on emergency health powers through both chambers, with margins likely large enough to override a gubernatorial veto. Gov. Mike DeWine is irate that legislators think they have the power to check him in his capricious edicts governing the most intimate facets of human life and commerce. Yet despite his promise to veto the bill, every legislator in his own party will likely override his veto.

Last week, the Ohio House and Senate passed the final version of SB 22, which would limit the scope and duration of the governor's emergency health orders. SB 22, sponsored by Sens. Terry Johnson and Rob McColley, passed in the Senate 25-8, with every Republican supporting it, and in the House 57-38, with several Republicans absent and only three Republicans voting against it.

The main provision of the final version will allow the legislature to strike down, via a concurrent resolution, any emergency health order after 30 days. The governor's emergency declarations would automatically expire after 90 days if the legislature fails to act. More importantly, specific orders and policies issued by the governor pursuant to the emergency or any standing order issued by the health director to slow the spread of a virus (under the existing non-emergency infectious disease statute) can be terminated immediately. Thus, business closures or mask mandates could be terminated from day one, even before the legislature is able to cancel the underlying emergency after 30 days.

The bill would also systemically reform the entire scope of state police powers over quarantine by carefully aligning state quarantine policies with the more traditional, limited use against targeted individuals who are sick. SB 22 defines "isolation" and "quarantine" to prohibit state and county health departments from isolating anyone who has not been "medically diagnosed" with the illness or quarantining healthy people who are not diagnosed with an infectious disease or in direct contact with someone who was medically diagnosed with the illness.

Finally, local boards of health can only target specific businesses for any regulations when they experience unusual outbreak. They can only shut down schools that experience an outbreak, and even then, they can only do so for the limited time it takes to sanitize the school. This precludes the entire premise of mass civil liberty violations and restores the concept of quarantine to its historic application, which was limited in time and scope.

In many ways, this is a somewhat modest bill, in the sense that it gives DeWine 90 days for an emergency health order. This bill should be the bare minimum for what other states propose. How long does it usually take to convene a legislature? Ideally, governors should not be able to legislate control over people's lives for more than a few days without the legislature weighing in. Yet DeWine believes he should have authority to forcibly mask and shut down people for years on end without any legislative input. DeWine charged that this bill "clearly violates the separation of powers."

How dare the legislature attempt to legislate when it actually matters? Leave it to the executive!

DeWine believes that striking down an emergency order with a concurrent resolution violates the state's constitution. The problem is that his own 2019 budget contained a similar proposal:

That's funny bec. @GovMikeDeWine didn't seem to think it was unconstitutional when he proposed a similar provision… https://t.co/dsRyhyx7Xf
— Daniel Horowitz (@Daniel Horowitz)1615496563.0

Besides, while a governor is violating every aspect of the federal Constitution and every clause of the Bill of Rights, are we really going to focus on process issues while ignoring his dictatorial power?

The governor is promising to veto the bill this week, but legislative leaders in both houses have told me they feel they have the three-fifths majority needed to override the veto because several House members who would have supported the bill were absent last week.

Republicans have supermajorities in 18 other states, many of them much larger than their majorities in Ohio. It's truly outrageous that no other state appears to be this far along in passing a meaningful bill like SB 22, which has already gone through both houses in Ohio. State legislators need to start asking themselves why they even run for office if they plan to cede power – during the most important and tumultuous times that actually affect our lives – to unelected bureaucrats in the executive branch.

As for DeWine, he stands for re-election next year, with his entire party rebuking him on the issue of our time. That is an ominous sign for him in the upcoming primary, when he is likely to be challenged from the right. By trying to take all the legislative power for himself, he might find himself without any executive power by the end of next year.