Initial responses by key federal government officials to the coronavirus pandemic, 2020

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The page was created in March 2020 to document early responses from key federal government officials on the coronavirus outbreak. It no longer receives regular updates and is preserved here for archival purposes.

The page includes comments from the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and other ranking federal officials. Click a name below to read comments from that official:

• President Donald Trump
• Vice President Mike Pence
• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
• Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

General resources

Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Department of Education
• World Health Organization

President Donald Trump (R)

See also: Donald Trump

On March 11, 2020, Trump issued the following address from the Oval Office:

“

My fellow Americans: Tonight, I want to speak with you about our nation's unprecedented response to the coronavirus outbreak that started in China and is now spreading throughout the world. Today, the World Health Organization officially announced that this is a global pandemic. We have been in frequent contact with our allies, and we are marshalling the full power of the federal government and the private sector to protect the American people. This is the most aggressive and comprehensive effort to confront a foreign virus in modern history. I am confident that by counting and continuing to take these tough measures, we will significantly reduce the threat to our citizens, and we will ultimately and expeditiously defeat this virus. From the beginning of time, nations and people have faced unforeseen challenges, including large-scale and very dangerous health threats. This is the way it always was and always will be. It only matters how you respond, and we are responding with great speed and professionalism. Our team is the best anywhere in the world. At the very start of the outbreak, we instituted sweeping travel restrictions on China and put in place the first federally mandated quarantine in over 50 years. We declared a public health emergency and issued the highest level of travel warning on other countries as the virus spread its horrible infection. And taking early intense action, we have seen dramatically fewer cases of the virus in the United States than are now present in Europe. The European Union failed to take the same precautions and restrict travel from China and other hotspots. As a result, a large number of new clusters in the United States were seeded by travelers from Europe. After consulting with our top government health professionals, I have decided to take several strong but necessary actions to protect the health and wellbeing of all Americans. To keep new cases from entering our shores, we will be suspending all travel from Europe to the United States for the next 30 days. The new rules will go into effect Friday at midnight. These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval. Anything coming from Europe to the United States is what we are discussing. These restrictions will also not apply to the United Kingdom. At the same time, we are monitoring the situation in China and in South Korea. And, as their situation improves, we will reevaluate the restrictions and warnings that are currently in place for a possible early opening. Earlier this week, I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all copayments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing. We are cutting massive amounts of red tape to make antiviral therapies available in record time. These treatments will significantly reduce the impact and reach of the virus. Additionally, last week, I signed into law an $8.3 billion funding bill to help CDC and other government agencies fight the virus and support vaccines, treatments, and distribution of medical supplies. Testing and testing capabilities are expanding rapidly, day by day. We are moving very quickly. The vast majority of Americans: The risk is very, very low. Young and healthy people can expect to recover fully and quickly if they should get the virus. The highest risk is for elderly population with underlying health conditions. The elderly population must be very, very careful. In particular, we are strongly advising that nursing homes for the elderly suspend all medically unnecessary visits. In general, older Americans should also avoid nonessential travel in crowded areas. My administration is coordinating directly with communities with the largest outbreaks, and we have issued guidance on school closures, social distancing, and reducing large gatherings. Smart action today will prevent the spread of the virus tomorrow. Every community faces different risks and it is critical for you to follow the guidelines of your local officials who are working closely with our federal health experts -- and they are the best. For all Americans, it is essential that everyone take extra precautions and practice good hygiene. Each of us has a role to play in defeating this virus. Wash your hands, clean often-used surfaces, cover your face and mouth if you sneeze or cough, and most of all, if you are sick or not feeling well, stay home. To ensure that working Americans impacted by the virus can stay home without fear of financial hardship, I will soon be taking emergency action, which is unprecedented, to provide financial relief. This will be targeted for workers who are ill, quarantined, or caring for others due to coronavirus. I will be asking Congress to take legislative action to extend this relief. Because of the economic policies that we have put into place over the last three years, we have the greatest economy anywhere in the world, by far. Our banks and financial institutions are fully capitalized and incredibly strong. Our unemployment is at a historic low. This vast economic prosperity gives us flexibility, reserves, and resources to handle any threat that comes our way. This is not a financial crisis, this is just a temporary moment of time that we will overcome together as a nation and as a world. However, to provide extra support for American workers, families, and businesses, tonight I am announcing the following additional actions: I am instructing the Small Business Administration to exercise available authority to provide capital and liquidity to firms affected by the coronavirus. Effective immediately, the SBA will begin providing economic loans in affected states and territories. These low-interest loans will help small businesses overcome temporary economic disruptions caused by the virus. To this end, I am asking Congress to increase funding for this program by an additional $50 billion. Using emergency authority, I will be instructing the Treasury Department to defer tax payments, without interest or penalties, for certain individuals and businesses negatively impacted. This action will provide more than $200 billion of additional liquidity to the economy. Finally, I am calling on Congress to provide Americans with immediate payroll tax relief. Hopefully they will consider this very strongly. We are at a critical time in the fight against the virus. We made a life-saving move with early action on China. Now we must take the same action with Europe. We will not delay. I will never hesitate to take any necessary steps to protect the lives, health, and safety of the American people. I will always put the wellbeing of America first. If we are vigilant -- and we can reduce the chance of infection, which we will -- we will significantly impede the transmission of the virus. The virus will not have a chance against us. No nation is more prepared or more resilient than the United States. We have the best economy, the most advanced healthcare, and the most talented doctors, scientists, and researchers anywhere in the world. We are all in this together. We must put politics aside, stop the partisanship, and unify together as one nation and one family. As history has proven time and time again, Americans always rise to the challenge and overcome adversity. Our future remains brighter than anyone can imagine. Acting with compassion and love, we will heal the sick, care for those in need, help our fellow citizens, and emerge from this challenge stronger and more unified than ever before. God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you.

”

Vice President Mike Pence (R)

See also: Mike Pence

Speaking on NBC's TODAY Show on March 12, Pence was asked about Americans who do not believe the coronavirus posed a serious threat. He said, "Obviously there's been some irresponsible rhetoric. But the American people should know that President Trump has no higher priority than the health and safety and well-being of the people of this country." Pence also said he expected there to be thousands of more cases of the coronavirus in the country.

Speaking on CBS This Morning on March 12, Pence said, "We are going to continue to work in every way to clear out, as the president said, any red tape, any barriers to testing that might have existed at the FDA." He also said that guidelines on testing for coronavirus had changed. "Many health professionals interpreted CDC guidance to say that if you were only mildly symptomatic that a doctor would not have the authority to recommend a coronavirus test. We changed that," he said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D)

See also: Nancy Pelosi

On March 11, 2020, Pelosi announced the introduction of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and said the House would pass the legislation the following day. Her statement introducing the legislation said:

“

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is focused directly on providing support for America’s families, who must be our first priority in this emergency. We cannot fight coronavirus effectively unless everyone in our country who needs to be tested knows they can get their test free of charge. We cannot slow the coronavirus outbreak when workers are stuck with the terrible choice between staying home to avoid spreading illness and the paycheck their family can’t afford to lose. The legislation includes: Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured; Paid emergency leave with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave; Enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a first step that will extend protections to furloughed workers; Strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors nutrition and food banks; Clear protections for frontline workers, including health care workers and other workers who are in contact with those who have been exposed or are responsible for cleaning at-risk places; Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face increased costs. The House will move to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act tomorrow and send it to the Senate.

”

Following Trump's address on March 11, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) released a joint statement:

“

We have a public health crisis in this country and the best way to help keep the American people safe and ensure their economic security is for the president to focus on fighting the spread of the coronavirus itself. Alarmingly, the President did not say how the Administration will address the lack of coronavirus testing kits throughout the United States. Tomorrow, we urge Republicans in the House and Senate to help immediately pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The bill will include free coronavirus testing, paid emergency leave for workers, food security assistance, help to states overburdened by Medicaid costs, and strengthened Unemployment Insurance, among other much-needed measures to keep the American people safe.

”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R)

See also: Mitch McConnell

On March 12, McConnell canceled the Senate's scheduled recess. He tweeted, "Notwithstanding the scheduled state work period, the Senate will be in session next week. I am glad talks are ongoing between the Administration and Speaker Pelosi. I hope Congress can pass bipartisan legislation to continue combating the coronavirus and keep our economy strong."

On March 12, following Trump's Oval Office address, McConnell gave the following remarks on the Senate floor:

“

Last night, President Trump addressed the nation on the broader, ongoing effort to slow and mitigate the spread of the virus on American soil. As I’ve noted here on the floor, the administration’s early, proactive measures to repatriate U.S. citizens and restrict travel from China bought more time for public health professionals to prepare our response. And the funding measure that Congress passed last week is sending an infusion of new funding into laboratory research, front-line medical care, and everything in between. With those critical steps already taken, this week brought a further opportunity to help communities and families face the economic effects of the virus’ spread. But unfortunately, it appears at this hour that the Speaker and House Democrats instead chose to produce an ideological wish list that was not tailored closely to the circumstances. One is reminded of the famous comment from President Obama’s first chief of staff: “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” Instead of focusing on immediate relief to affected individuals, families, and businesses, the House Democrats chose to wander into various areas of policy that are barely related, if at all, to the issue before us. Instead of working within existing law and within existing systems to deliver targeted relief as efficiently and effectively as possible, the Speaker’s proposal would stand up a needless thicket of new bureaucracy. They would task offices like the Social Security Administration with standing up brand-new bureaucracy that would delay the delivery of aid to those which need it. As currently drafted, the proposal appears to impose permanent unfunded mandates on businesses that could cause massive job losses and put thousands of small businesses at risk. The administration was ready to collaborate. The Senate was ready to seriously consider a compromise product. But it appears that over in the House, left-wing political messaging may have taken priority over the needs of our nation. It’s disappointing. I want to commend Secretary Mnuchin for his efforts and his continued conversations. At a minimum, I hope that Senate Democrats will not block potential requests from our colleagues today to pass smaller, noncontroversial pieces of legislation right away that would bolster particular aspects of the fight against coronavirus. But the good news, is that our nation’s economy remains strong. The President is continuing to take action himself. We just passed billions in urgent funding last week. And the Senate will continue to stand ready and willing to work toward further bicameral, bipartisan actions when the House Democrats decide to get serious.

”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D)

See also: Chuck Schumer

On March 11, Schumer said, "When it comes to what we need most in New York: the access, the expansion and the much faster automation for COVID-19 testing, the administration remains stuck in the mud and spinning its wheels. Congress just delivered billions of dollars to the agencies that need it, but we want those dollars to fuel a come-from-behind response that fixes the disturbing gaps in our testing system. The bottom line is that we must expand availability testing for all those that need it, speed up the response time, make it affordable for all Americans by eliminating co-pays, and approve stalled applications for automated testing. Yesterday. So, we need to see action because, right now, the sustained foot-dragging is no help to containing the spread and has left us all with more questions than answers, which is why we need immediate action on five fronts.” He called on the Trump administration to do the following five things:

“

Expedite the approval of labs who are ready and willing to provide testing. Every lab that is able to provide testing should be up and running as soon as possible. Provide daily updates on the volume of tests both available and expected and set up a special office or bureau within HHS dedicated to managing the acquisition and distribution of tests. The conflicting reports and lack of information have left states unable to plan. Support the use of automated testing to increase the speed and volume with which testing is conducted. Ensure that patients who need tests face no out-of-pocket costs. The coverage requirements for testing are currently a patchwork of state executive orders and private company actions – we need federal leadership. Hundreds of millions of Americans still do not know if they can access affordable testing. Ensure that COVID-19 hotlines are fully staffed and responsive to patients and providers who have questions and concerns.

”

See also

• Ballotpedia: Political responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021
• Government official, politician, and candidate deaths, diagnoses, and quarantines due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021
• Changes to election dates, procedures, and administration in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
• Changes to ballot measure campaigns, procedures, and policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2022
• Federal Politics
• State Politics
• Local Politics

Footnotes