McEnany defends Trump's push for churches to reopen

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany defends the president's decision to push for churches to reopen.

"It is safe to reopen your churches if you do so in accordance with the guidelines which are laid out," said McEnany.

"Very stringent detail here about promoting hygiene practices. And there are five bullet points and cloth face coverings. If social distancing is not possible, it's recommended intensifying cleanings, promoting social distance. We lay them out meticulously."

President Donald Trump made a brief appearance in the White House briefing room Friday where he called religious institutions “essential” and said they should all open back up.

And while Trump said that specific guidance would be coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Christian leaders in several states made plans to welcome back congregants on the week of Pentecost, May 31.

The new advice could energize houses of worship that might want to reopen their doors, despite evidence of ongoing risk of the virus spreading through communal gatherings.

Tension over when and how to reopen houses of worship has varied depending on the state, as different areas set their own pace for easing pandemic stay-at-home orders.

Trump called for the resumption of in-person religious services repeatedly this week, saying Friday that “we want our churches and our places of faith and worship, we want them to open.”

While Trump said delayed CDC guidance for faith organizations could come as soon as Friday, the timetable for release remained unclear.

"I am thankful that we have a president that celebrates the First Amendment," said McEnany.

"The same amendment that gives you all the ability to ask me questions is there to have the freedom of worship. So imams and pastors can go to their churches, can go to their places of worship, and can celebrate what is a First Amendment right in this country, which is to pray to your God and to practice your faith."