White House to roll out ‘Opening Our Country’ council
President Donald Trump speaks during a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House, Friday, April 10, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 6:05 PM PT — Friday, April 10, 2020
The White House has confirmed its intent to appoint a new task force to jump start the U.S. economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump hinted at the initiative Friday, dubbing it the “Opening Our Country Council.”
BREAKING: President Trump to announce the ‘Opening our Country Council’ on Tuesday focused on the Economic side of the Coronavirus Pandemic and re-opening the country. pic.twitter.com/0tmHvTGrF3
— ALX (@alx) April 10, 2020
According to reports, some familiar faces may be spearheading those efforts. Among those said to be up for consideration is Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow.
The council could also include top figures in business, as well as doctors and governors from across the country.
From left, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn arrive to attend a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House, Friday, April 10, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Trump has minced no words when it comes to reopening the economy. He’s made it a priority since the outbreak began.
“The cure can’t be worse than the problem itself, right?” he asked.
Nearly 17 million Americans are facing unemployment because of the coronavirus. This will likely be a top priority for the council, which has frequently touted strong job numbers and a booming economy.
Heading into May, it’s unclear how states across the U.S. will navigate reopening businesses and schools.
Administration officials have stressed the need for a timeline of reopening the economy. Those guidelines are currently in the works and more details are expected to come next week.