A number of Republican figures have already announced they are planning legal action against President Joe Biden over his COVID vaccine and testing mandate.
In order to help control the spread of the virus, Biden said he will force all private businesses with 100 or more employees to require staff to have a COVID vaccine or to make sure they are tested at least once a week.
Those who don't comply could face fines of up to $14,000 for each violation.
"This is not about freedom or personal choice. It's about protecting yourself and those around you — the people you work with, the people you care about, the people you love," Biden said.
"My job as President is to protect all Americans."
In response, the Republican National Committee said they plan to sue the Biden administration over the mandates, with a number of other GOP figures also looking into similar action or condemning the president's actions.
"Joe Biden told Americans when he was elected that he would not impose vaccine mandates. He lied," RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement.
"Now small businesses, workers, and families across the country will pay the price. Like many Americans, I am pro-vaccine and anti-mandate.
"Many small businesses and workers do not have the money or legal resources to fight Biden's unconstitutional actions and authoritarian decrees, but when his decree goes into effect, the RNC will sue the administration to protect Americans and their liberties."
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem expressed a similar desire to file legal action against Biden over the vaccine mandate.
"My legal team is standing by ready to file our lawsuit the minute Joe Biden files his unconstitutional rule," Noem tweeted. "This gross example of federal intrusion will not stand."
Pursuing All Legal Options
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said he will also "pursue every legal option available" in order to stop what he called a "blatantly unlawful overreach" by the Biden administration.
Doug Ducey, governor of Arizona, said the state "must and will push back" against forcing businesses to ensure their employees are vaccinated.
"This is exactly the kind of big government overreach we have tried so hard to prevent in Arizona—now the Biden-Harris administration is hammering down on private businesses and individual freedoms in an unprecedented and dangerous way. This will never stand up in court," Ducey tweeted.
"This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice."
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich also said he will take "all legal recourse to defend our state's sovereignty and the rights of Arizonans to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves."
Texas governor Greg Abbott said Biden's vaccine mandate is an "assault on private businesses" and that the state is "already working to halt this power grab."
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster said he plans on fighting the Biden administration "to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian."
'Violation of Personal Freedom'
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts said Biden's announcement is a "stunning violation of personal freedom" and abuse of the federal government's power.
"This plan isn't about public health—this is about government control and taking away personal liberties," Ricketts added.
"Americans, not the federal government, are responsible for taking charge of their personal health. It is not the role of the federal government to mandate their choices. Nebraska will stand up to President Biden's overreach, and we will be working with the Attorney General to explore all our options."
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt vowed that there will be no government vaccine mandates in the state while he is in office.
"My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration's federal overreach," Stitt said.
Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor also said his office will "vigorously oppose" any attempt by the federal government to mandate vaccines.
"We are preparing litigation to stand up for our rights and defend the rule of law against the overreach of the federal government."
Indiana Attorney General Attorney Todd Rokita added: "My team and I, along with other like-minded attorneys general, are reviewing all legal action on how to stand against these authoritarian actions by the Biden administration.
"We will be prepared to file suit if Biden seeks illegal actions restricting Hoosiers' liberties."
The White House has been contacted for comment.
