President Donald Trump moves to the side to allow Vice President Mike Pence speak during press briefing with the coronavirus task force, at the White House, Wednesday, March 18, 2020, in Washington. Watching are Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Seema Verma, Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus response coordinator, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
March 18, 2020
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Trump taps emergency powers as virus relief plan proceeds
WASHINGTON (AP) — Describing himself as a “wartime president” fighting an invisible enemy, President Donald Trump on Wednesday invoked rarely used emergency powers to marshal critical medical supplies against the coronavirus pandemic. Trump also signed an aid package — which the Senate approved earlier Wednesday — that will guarantee sick leave to workers who fall ill.