President Trump called for strong borders and a return of manufacturing to the American economy, as he briefed the media and the nation on the ongoing fight against the Chinese-born coronavirus.
The President also invoked the Defense Production Act and told the nation that a team of economists is developing a “sophisticated plan to reopen the economy as soon as the time is right.”
According to President Trump, he is hoping to have Americans – at least in some parts of the country – working again by Easter weekend so long as progress against the virus continues to accelerate.
“We should never be reliant on a foreign country for the means of our own survival,” said the President, highlighting the nation’s recently magnified dependence on Chinese manufacturing for virtually every aspect of American life.
“I think we’ve learned a lot. This crisis has underscored just how critical it is to have strong borders and a robust manufacturing sector.”
“For 3 years we’ve embarked on a great national project to secure our immigration system and bring back manufacturing jobs,” said Trump.
The President also highlighted America’s dire need for strong borders, as New York City’s “patient zero” carried the virus into the country from Iran, a nation formerly included in President Trump’s travel ban, before the ban was overturned by a left-wing activist judge.
“This experience shows how important borders are. Without borders, you don’t have a nation.”
The President then called for both parties to come together and ensure that America can once again be a truly independent nation.
“Our goal for the future must be to have American medicine for American patients, American supplies for American hospitals, and American equipment for our great American heroes. Now both parties must unite to ensure the United States is truly an independent nation in every sense of the word. Energy independence, something incredible that we have established, we are energy independent. Manufacturing independence enforced by strong, sovereign borders. America will never be a supplicant nation we will be a proud, prosperous, independent, and self-reliant nation. We will embrace commerce with all but we will be dependent on none. Above all, we know the best thing for our economy and the world right now is a very very powerful victory over the virus.”
The President then applauded the American people for the great and rapid coming together the nation has seen in recent weeks.
“Every day the American people are showing the unity and resolve that has always defined the character of our nation. In New York, citizens are using 3D printers to make hundreds of face shields. They’re making them by the hundreds. In Texas, businesses and churches are uniting to collect gloves and thermometers for hospitals. In the selfless actions of our amazing citizens, we’re seeing the enduring strength of our magnificent nation; a spirit that can never be broken, and a victorious future than can never be denied. It never will be denied.”
Watch today's Coronavirus Task Force press briefing LIVE at 5:30 p.m. ET.
Posted by The White House on Tuesday, March 24, 2020
