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President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act against 3M after negotiations with the company were unsuccessful. President Trump said in a press conference on Thursday that “hopefully they will be able to do what they are supposed to do”, without additional details, reported Reuters.
President Trump did not specify what 3M was exactly doing that upset him, but he targeted the protective equipment manufacturer with a tweet this week expressing his disappointment in “what they were doing”.
The president tweeted “We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their Masks. “P Act” all the way. Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing – will have a big price to pay!”
We hit 3M hard today after seeing what they were doing with their Masks. “P Act” all the way. Big surprise to many in government as to what they were doing – will have a big price to pay!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2020
There has been rising concern that the federal government is debating that although a recommendation for the general public to wear masks is the safest option, it may create a rush that will rob the healthcare industry of much needed equipment.
Reuters covered the developments of the White House’s struggles with 3M.
At a White House briefing on the coronavirus pandemic earlier on Thursday, Trump announced he had signed a Defense Production Act order for 3M to produce face masks. “Hopefully they’ll be able to do what they are supposed to do,” he said, without elaborating.
St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company’s brands include Scotch, Post-It and Nexcare, as well as healthcare products for professionals.
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said at the briefing, “We’ve had some issues making sure that all of the production that 3M does around the world, enough of it is coming back here to the right places.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president’s tweet.
N-95 face masks made by 3M and other companies are in short supply among healthcare workers treating coronavirus patients.
The Defense Production Act, which was passed in 1950, grants the president the power to expand industrial production of key materials or products for national security and other reasons.
Earlier this week, the president was asked about recommendations on wearing a mask, but he referred to the CDC current stance that masks are safe, but alternatives like scarves are also reasonable options at this time.
