A Michigan Judge handed Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel an embarrassing loss on Monday and ruled in favor of 77-year old barber Karl Manke.

The decision was received warmly by dozens of people in and around the Owosso barber shop. Manke then explained it is time for Americans to take care of themselves and said the Governor is not his mother.

Manke has gained national attention ever since he re-opened his barber shop on May 4th in defiance of the Governor’s Stay Home order that defined such businesses as non-essential. Manke said he could no longer afford to keep his 59-year old business closed as he was in financial trouble.

Manke said that the police would have to taser him or Jesus would need to walk in for him to stop cutting hair and leave. On Friday evening it seemed that scenario was getting closer when 6 Michigan State Police Troopers flooded into the shop to hand Manke cease and desist orders from Attorney General Dana Nessel.

The case was then sent to Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart who ruled against the Governor and AG and in favor of the man many are now calling “America’s Barber.”

In his short opinion, Judge Stewart dismissed the idea that Manke was causing irreparable harm by being open and pointed out that the barber shop opened on May 4th but no action was taken by the state until May 11th. Stewart took further issue with the states assertion that Manke had committed at least 2 misdemeanors and made clear if that were true then they should have had Manke arrested.

When do you think the country should re-open and get back to work?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from SteveGruber.com, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

MIDHHS v Manke 20-4700-CZ ORD DEN TRO

Judge Stewart has allowed for the state to pursue the case in an open hearing if they decide to go forward. No word yet on if that will happen.

In the meantime, it opens the doors literally and figuratively to hundreds of businesses around the state that remain closed as part of the Governor’s ongoing Emergency and Disaster Orders.

Another big hearing is coming this Friday, when a lawsuit filed against the Governor by Republican members of the state Legislature will be heard. That suit argues the Governor has overstepped her legal authority by extending her orders without the blessing of the legislature.