Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2020

March 27, 2020

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. 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.

Categories: Statements by the President : Defense Production Act of 1950 order, General Motors Co., signing the memorandum.

Subjects: Business and industry : Manufacturing industry :: Government and private sector, coordination efforts; Defense Production Act of 1950, executive authorities; Diseases : Coronavirus, domestic prevention efforts; General Motors Co.; Health and Human Services, Department of : Secretary; Health and medical care : Medical equipment and supplies.

DCPD Number: DCPD202000196.

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