PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Monday threatened to move the Republican National Convention scheduled for August because of Democratic Gov Roy Cooper's coronavirus lockdown.

Trump tweeted that he loves "the Great State of North Carolina, so much so that I insisted on having the Republican National Convention in Charlotte at the end of August."

"Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, @RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed full attendance in the Arena."

"In other words, we would be spendingmillions of dollars building the Arena to a very high standard without even knowing if the Democrat Governor would allow the Republican Party to fully occupy the space."

Trump continued: "Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August."

The president said "yhey must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. "

"This is not something I want to do. Thank you, and I LOVE the people of North Carolina!"

At the time of Trump's tweets, North Carolina had more than 23,300 coronavirus cases and over 780 deaths.

North Carolina is currently under "phase two" of its reopening amid the pandemic.

Phase two was launched on Friday, and allowed some businesses and restaurants to reopen at limited capacity, but gyms remain closed for several more weeks.

Cooper on Friday told North Carolina residents to continue to practice social distancing and wear face coverings during Memorial Day weekend.

"I want you to have a great time, but continue using caution," Cooper said. "This is how we protect ourselves and particularly our family and neighbors."

Republicans chose the major city of Charlotte — over Las Vegas — for their convention in July 2018.

Vi Lyles, Charlotte's first black female mayor, said at the time: “We’re a growing center of diversity and inclusiveness in the New South, and we’re going to show you the true meaning of Southern hospitality.”

More to follow…

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