Supporters of an upcoming “traffic jam” aimed at protesting Michigan’s stay-at-home order say U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has no connection to the event after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said it was “inappropriate” for a sitting Cabinet member to attack her politically.

Whitmer didn’t mention DeVos by name during a Monday press conference, but suggested the West Michigan native was linked to the protest because a group funded in part by members of the DeVos family, the Michigan Freedom Fund, is supporting it.

“I think it’s really inappropriate for a sitting member of the United States President’s cabinet to be waging political attacks on any governor, but obviously on me here at home,” she said. “I think that they should disavow it and encourage people to stay at home and be safe.”

The protest, scheduled for noon Wednesday, was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and also lists the Michigan Freedom Fund as a host. Participants are being asked to stay in their cars and drive around the Michigan Capitol building to start a traffic jam while honking horns and displaying signs or painted vehicles to protest the stay-at-home order.

“We WANT gridlock,” the event description reads.

Nick Wasmiller, a spokesperson for the DeVos family, said the family hasn’t funded the protest and hasn’t offered prior support to the Michigan Conservative Coalition.

“They understand the frustration of fellow Michiganders, however, as elements of the governor’s top-down approach appear to go beyond public safety," he said. "Michigan deserves competent governance – not baseless attacks.”

Betsy DeVos “has nothing to do with that protest,” said Tony Daunt, executive director of the Michigan Freedom Fund.

Daunt said the extent of the Michigan Freedom Fund’s involvement so far was to spend $250 promoting the protest on social media, and said Whitmer “is recklessly playing politics" instead of answering to concerns from constituents about the stay-at-home order.

“She’s seeking to distract from the fact that thousands of people are upset from these actions by suggesting this is only happening because people are bought off,” he said. “It’s offensive.”

Prior to her appointment to U.S. Education Secretary, DeVos was a longtime Republican activist and donor to conservative causes. During her 2017 confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate, DeVos said she would “not be engaged in political donations, and my husband will not be either” if appointed.

Whitmer said people are well within their rights to protest and asked those who plan to protest do so in a manner that keeps themselves and first responders safe.

It’s OK to be frustrated, and it’s OK to be angry, Whitmer said Monday, adding: “If it makes you feel better to direct it at me, that’s OK, too. I’ve got thick skin."

Whitmer also said people should watch out for and avoid disseminating inaccurate information about the stay-at-home order.

Wednesday’s protest won’t be the first conducted since the stay-at-home order went into effect.

Last week, a group of protesters rallied in front of the Capitol to share their concerns about the ongoing stay-at-home order while lawmakers were inside extending the state of emergency through April 30.

Toting signs bearing messages like “More will die from economic fallout than COVID-19!” and “My freedom is essential," members of the group walked around in front of the Capitol, keeping social distancing with the help of measuring tape.

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CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.