Michigan Governor Clarifies Customers Can Still Buy Car Seats After Backlash

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer listens to Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in Clawson, Mich., on March 18, 2019. (Paul Sancya/AP)

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Sunday tried to clarify her state’s sweeping executive order that barred large stores such as Walmart or Target from selling items deemed nonessential after a widely shared photo allegedly showed a Walmart blocking the sale of car seats for children.

Whitmer, a Democrat, responded to a message from “The View” co-host Meghan McCain over the weekend.

“Guess it’s good I don’t live in Michigan - otherwise how would I transport my child home from the hospital @GovWhitmer ?” McCain wrote on Twitter. “Are you going to ban cribs next? Being pregnant during this time is insanely stressful - we are all doing our best. Shame on you for doing this @GovWhitmer.”

The photo included a Walmart sign that alerted Michigan’s customers that they could not purchase items in the store that are not essential. It appeared to be positioned over a child’s car seat.

But Whitmer said that the state’s ban on nonessential items does not encompass car seats.

“Hi Meghan! Our Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order does not ban the purchasing of car seats for children ... Wishing your family well, and happy Easter!” she wrote in response.

Michigan state’s website includes a list of items that now can’t be sold in response to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus pandemic.

Companies have to close areas of stores through various means or remove nonessential items, including carpet or flooring materials, furniture, paint, and gardening items.

“By April 13, 2020, refrain from the advertising or promotion of goods that are not groceries, medical supplies, or items that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and basic operation of residences,” the website says.

The sweeping order also includes a ban on travel from one residence to another residence, including vacation properties, rental properties, or second properties inside Michigan.

Exceptions include caring for an elderly parent or relative, caring for a pet, visiting a nursing home or similar facility, attending a funeral with no more than 10 people, and complying with a court order related to child custody.