In his latest televised address to the nation on Monday evening, President Donald J. Trump discussed the economic toll that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having across the country, including how measures intended to prevent the disease’s spread are impacting families and businesses nationwide.
Speaking from the press briefing room at the White House alongside Vice President Mike Pence and members of his coronavirus task force, Trump said, “America continues to mobilize every segment of our society to turn the tide in the battle against the virus.”
“I want Americans to know that we will get through this challenge,” he continued. “The hardship will end; it will end soon. Normal life will return. And our economy will rebound very, very strongly. But, right now, in the midst of this great national trial, Americans must remain united in purpose and focused on victory.”
Trump declared, “To every single American, please know that the sacrifice you’re making at this time is saving lives — many, many lives.”
While members of the national media have criticized Trump for calling COVID-19 things such as “the Chinese virus” or the “Wuhan flu,” he also stressed Monday that Asian Americans are not in any way at fault for the disease. This came after the New York Times the same day published an article headlined, “Spit On, Yelled At, Attacked: Chinese-Americans Fear for Their Safety.”
The article’s subheading read, “As bigots blame them for the coronavirus and President Trump labels it the ‘Chinese virus,’ many Chinese-Americans say they are terrified of what could come next.”
Trump commented, “It’s very important that we totally protect our Asian American community in the United States and all around the world. They’re amazing people, and the spreading of the virus is not their fault in any way, shape, or form. They’re working closely with us to get rid of it. We will prevail together. It’s very important.”
The president also stressed that his administration is focusing on not just the health and safety aspects of the pandemic but the economic ramifications as well.
“We also have a large team working on what the next steps will be once the medical community gives a region the okay — meaning the okay to get going, to get back; let’s go to work,” Trump advised. “America will again, and soon, be open for business — very soon — a lot sooner than three or four months that somebody was suggesting. A lot sooner. We cannot let the cure be worse than the problem itself. We’re not going to let the cure be worse than the problem.”
“Our country will be stronger than ever before, and we fully anticipate that. And it won’t be that long,” he added.
You can read Trump’s full Monday remarks here.
The White House has further issued guidance on how the Trump administration is committed to supporting small businesses during this pandemic.
RELATED: NFIB: Alabama’s small businesses need our support during the COVID-19 crisis
The president continues to encourage Congress to pass the third round of coronavirus relief funding, which would come in the form of H.R. 748, a nearly $2 trillion economic stimulus package currently being blocked by Senate Democrats at the urging of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Small businesses power our economy—and President Trump won’t let them weather this alone. pic.twitter.com/8pcLgtTxfs
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 24, 2020
The Business Council of Alabama has created a central landing page for business resources during the coronavirus pandemic. Click here for the latest resources and information for job creators.
RELATED: Keep up with Alabama’s confirmed coronavirus cases, locations here
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.