Lockdown enthusiasts Whitmer and Garcetti named to Biden’s inauguration team

Other co-chairs of the inauguration team include House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond, and Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.

"Kamala and I are honored and grateful to these leaders for joining our inaugural committee as co-chairs and helping to organize a safe inauguration for all Americans," Biden stated. "These leaders reflect the strength, spirit, and diversity of America and have always held a steadfast commitment to restoring the soul of the nation, building back the middle class, and unifying the country. We are proud of their support and know they will help plan an inauguration that will reflect our nation’s shared values"

Garcetti and Whitmer have both faced significant controversy in recent months for their handling of the coronavirus, with both figures implementing extensive lockdown measures which many have criticized as excessive.

Garcetti, who has served as Mayor of Los Angeles since 2013, recently told Angelanos that it's time for them to "hunker down" and "cancel everything." Citizens are required to stay in their homes with exceptions for essential travel only; even recreational walking, cycling, and driving are banned. All workplaces considered "non-essential" are shut down, and citizens may not gather anywhere except for outdoor religious services, which are protected by the First Amendment.

Those who disobey lockdown orders may be subject to misdemeanor charges resulting in a fine or jailing. Garcetti also told Angelanos that "individuals, businesses, and properties which fail to comply with this Order may be subject to having their utility services shut off by the Department of Water and Power."

Groups with concerns aside from the lockdown restrictions have also protested the Biden transition team's decision to appoint Garcetti to co-chair the inauguration team. Protesters have demonstrated outside Garcetti's house in Los Angeles for nearly two weeks over his alleged mishandling of homelessness and public transportation in the city.

Governor Whitmer has also faced criticism for her handling of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, leading to a Republican state representative in Michigan filing articles of impeachment against the Democrat. Representative Beau M. LaFavre, who filed the articles of impeachment, has alleged that Whitmer "has exceeded her constitutional authority, violated the constitutional rights of the people of Michigan, issued orders that are not in the best interests of the people of this state, and used the Pandemic as an opportunity to reward political allies."

Under lockdown orders imposed by the state of Michigan last month, social gatherings involving more than two households at one time are prohibited. Most indoor recreational facilities have been closed as well, although gyms remain open with strict social distancing guidelines.