President Trump used the Defense Production Act for the first time since authorizing it to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump directed General Motors Co. to begin manufacturing ventilators under the DPA, which gives the president the power to direct private companies to create needed goods for emergency situations. The White House announced the move in a statement Friday afternoon.
“Today, I signed a presidential memorandum directing the secretary of Health and Human Services to use any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize federal contracts for ventilators,” Trump said in the statement.
“Our negotiations with GM regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course. GM was wasting time. Today’s action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives,” Trump added.
Earlier Friday, Trump threatened the auto manufacturer in a tweet, directing it to begin producing ventilators through its shuttered plant in Lordstown, Ohio.
