Mike Pence and wife will be tested for coronavirus after staffer tests positive – follow live
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Trump is asked how the one of the richest countries in the world could be facing such a shortfall of masks and other personal protective equipment. As he’s done before, he points to inherited circumstances: “Many administrations preceded me. For the most part, they did very little in terms of what you’re talking about. This is unprecedented.” He then adds his administration has gotten “tremendous reviews” for its response.
While fielding questions from the press corps, Trump is asked what he would tell people who have lost their jobs during a week the US economy came to a standstill. “Keep receiving their paychecks,” he says. “Hopefully their companies are going to be in a very strong position. We want to keep everything together.”
Asked whether he’s spoken to speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi about the proposed stimulus package, Trump declines but says he’s spoken to a number of congressional leaders “directly or indirectly”.
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