Michigan governor responds to Meghan McCain: Buying child car seats not banned

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) on Sunday clarified that the state’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order doesn’t ban the sale of child car seats after “The View” co-host Meghan McCain berated her for the supposed prohibition.

Whitmer’s most recent executive order, which went into effect April 9, asks stores to close off areas containing products deemed nonessential. The order also restricts the number of people who can be in a store at one time, in the effort aimed at enforcing social distancing.

McCain, who is pregnant, had retweeted user Tori Sachs’s post, including a photo showing a flier in Walmart in front of car seats designating the products as nonessential.

“The View” host commented, “Guess it’s good I don’t live in Michigan – otherwise how would I transport my child home from the hospital @GovWhitmer?”

“Being pregnant during this time is insanely stressful – we are all doing our best. Shame on you for doing this @GovWhitmer,” she added.

Responding to McCain, the governor attached a link to the frequently asked questions about the order, which includes a question on car seats. 

Hi Meghan! Our Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order does not ban the purchasing of car seats for children. You can read this FAQ and more here: https://t.co/5QubvhT61t

Wishing your family well, and happy Easter! pic.twitter.com/ookOvAImQF

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April  12, 2020

Whitmer also posted the information separately saying, “We’ve seen misinformation circulating, so I’d like to be very clear — the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order does not ban the purchasing of car seats for children.”

We’ve seen misinformation circulating, so I’d like to be very clear — the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order does not ban the purchasing of car seats for children. You can read this FAQ and more here: https://t.co/NJ9OMtOfvN pic.twitter.com/UpRTMEUudT

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 12, 2020

Walmart told The Hill that the company was aware of the notice that was reportedly displayed in front of car seats. 

“Michigan customers are able to purchase baby car seats, baby furniture and other infant products at their local Walmart,” a Walmart corporate spokesperson said. “We are reiterating this direction with store management to ensure consistent service to our customers across our Michigan stores.

“Customers are also welcome to purchase these items from the convenience of their home through Walmart.com,” the spokesperson added. 

Some stores across the country have roped off nonessential items to prevent people from entering stores to buy products such as electronics.

Michigan has counted 25,635 confirmed cases of the virus and 1,602 total deaths, according to the state’s data.