GUARD ACTIVATED: President Trump announced last night the call-up of thousands of National Guard troops for the three states hardest hit by the COVID-19 epidemic: New York, California, and Washington. The forces are being activated under Title 32 authority, which means they will be federal employees but under the control of state governors.

“The federal government will be funding 100% of the cost of deploying National Guard units to carry out approved missions to stop the virus, while those governors remain in command,” said Trump at a White House coronavirus briefing last night. “This action will give them maximum flexibility to use the Guard against the virus without having to worry about costs or liability and freeing up state resources to protect the health and safety of the people in their state.”