Swift backlash after Texas governor drops COVID restrictions

Gov. Greg Abbott's announcement that Texas would end a statewide mask mandate and allow businesses to reopen at full capacity has been met with harsh criticism.

"Absolutely reckless," California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on Twitter shortly after the press conference Tuesday in which Abbott announced that it was "time to open Texas 100%."

Abbott pointed to small business owners hurt by the pandemic.

"Too many Texans have been sidelined from employment opportunities," he said. "Too many small business owners have struggled to pay their bills. This must end."