The president’s tweets seemingly encouraging protesters defying social distancing mandates drew frustration Friday from governors of the states he mentioned, as leaders under growing pressure to “reopen” their communities plead with the public to abide by stay-at-home orders.

Each states’ restrictions aimed at combating the coronavirus are in line with the White House task force’s recommendations issued last month. But with a flurry of Friday morning tweets, Trump seemed to express support for protests against three states’ rules, first tweeting “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” then “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” and finally “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) worried at a news conference that the tweets could energize the protests as officials continue to warn that gatherings risk dangerous spread of the virus. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) said the president’s words encouraged “illegal and dangerous acts.”

In Minnesota, where people unhappy with the stay-at-home order gathered Friday outside the governor’s residence, Gov. Tim Walz (D) said he had yet to hear from the president and vice president after reaching out to them.

“I just have to lead,” he said. “If they’re not going to do it, we’re going to do it, and I don’t mean that critically.”

In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said he was stretched too thin to engage in an online fight.

“As the governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia I, along with my staff, are fighting a biological war,” Northam said. “I do not have time to involve myself in Twitter wars. I will continue to do everything that I can to keep Virginia safe and to save lives.”

Asked about his tweets at Friday’s coronavirus task force briefing — and the seeming dissonance between them and his guidance for slowly reopening the country a day earlier — Trump said he feels “very comfortable” with what he said.

Anthony S. Fauci, the country’s top infectious disease expert, was asked if he’s concerned to see people congregated — and to see that behavior encouraged. He said he can understand protesters’ frustration.

“But my main role in the task force is to make recommendations to protect the health . . . of the American people, and I would hope that people understand that,” he said.