May 20 Coronavirus Update from the Trump Administration

Demanding Reforms for American Taxpayers

• The President is putting the American people’s interests first and demanding accountability from the World Health Organization.
• President Trump released a letter this week laying out the results of the investigation into the WHO’s mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic.
• The President announced that if serious reforms are not made within 30 days, the U.S. will permanently cease funding to the WHO and reconsider our membership in the organization.

Accountability for the WHO’s Mismanagement

• The WHO ignored warnings about the virus, including evidence of human-to-human transmission.
• The WHO has shown a clear bias toward China and repeatedly spread China’s misinformation throughout the pandemic.
  • On January 14^th, WHO perpetuated Chinese misinformation that the coronavirus was not transmittable by humans.
  • On January 22^nd, WHO asserted that the coronavirus did not pose a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, all while praising China’s response.
  • On January 28^th, WHO praised the Chinese government for being “transparent” about the virus.
• The WHO put political correctness first and objected to President Trump’s travel restrictions against China, which saved American lives.

Food Assistance Program

• President Trump also announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program This $19 billion program will support our nation’s agricultural producers, maintain the health of our critical food supply chains, and provide food assistance to American families.

Treasury is Delivering Millions of Economic Impact Payments by Prepaid Debit Card (HERE)

• This week, Treasury and the IRS are starting to send nearly 4 million Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) by prepaid debit card, instead of by paper check.

HHS Delivers Funding to Expand Testing Capacity for States, Territories, Tribes (HERE)

• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is delivering $11 billion in new funding to support testing for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will provide $10.25 billion to states, territories, and local jurisdictions through CDC’s existing Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC) cooperative agreement.

Trump Administration Issues Guidance to Ensure States Have a Plan in Place to Safely Reopen Nursing Homes (HERE)

• Today, under the leadership of President Trump, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new guidance for state and local officials to ensure the safe reopening of nursing homes across the country.