President Trump sticks to his guns to re-open the economy by May 1st. Meanwhile, Trump defunded the World Health Organization and threatens to adjourn Congress over his political appointees.
On Thursday, April 16th, President Trump rolled out guidelines to reopen the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Now that we have passed the peak in new cases, we are starting our life again. We are starting rejuvenation of our economy again in a safe and structured and very responsible fashion,” Trump said.
In a conference call with governors, Trump said that states with the lowest levels of coronavirus cases should strongly consider reopening their economies by early May.
Next, Trump announced he’s putting a hold on funding to the World Health Organization.
“In order to advance the health and security of our nation and all nations, as we announced yesterday the U.S. government has put a hold on funding to the WHO (World Health Organization) pending a review of the organization’s cover-up and mismanagement of coronavirus outbreak,” Trump stated.
Many critics of the WHO have called for its Director General Dr. Tedros to resign. In addition to mishandling the COVID-19 outbreak, Tedros was responsible for appointing brutal Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe as a WHO goodwill ambassador.
Finally, Trump threatened to dissolve Congress to push past the political gridlock for his nominees.
“We have many, many positions that are unstaffed because we can’t get the approvals the Democrats are holding us up,” Trump complained. “There are currently 129 nominees stuck in the Senate because of partisan obstruction. Many are nominated for vacancies that must be filled to assist with the coronavirus crisis and the resulting economic challenges.”
The president has the constitutional power to make recess appointments for unfilled positions in the executive branch, but it has never been used before by any president.
