Defense Production Act

Last Friday, “President Donald Trump triggered the federal government’s wartime powers to compel General Motors to make ventilators needed to treat coronavirus patients… Mr Trump said he moved to invoke the 1950s-era Defense Production Act, which gives the president power to force manufacturers to make needed equipment in national emergencies, after negotiations between Washington and GM broke down over the cost of the ventilator order.” (Financial Times)

The left urges Trump to use the DPA to organize production and distribution of medical supplies.

The right sees the DPA as a necessary tool, but urges the federal government to work with the private sector to facilitate production.