White House Invokes Defense Production Act to Compel GM Ventilator Manufacturing
President Trump orders General Motors to produce ventilators using a Korean War-era law, citing the urgent need to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The mandate does not alter the automaker's existing plans to build the medical devices with Ventec Life Systems.
President Trump orders General Motors to manufacture ventilators under the Defense Production Act as the nation fights the coronavirus pandemic. This Korean War-era statute allows the government to force American companies to produce essential supplies that face critical shortages during a national crisis.
The presidential directive comes just hours after GM announces plans to build critical-care ventilators alongside Ventec Life Systems at an Indiana component plant. A company spokesman confirms that this federal order does not alter GM's previously announced schedule, which expects to begin shipping the life-saving devices as early as next month.
Trump states that this action ensures the quick production of ventilators to save American lives, noting that the contracting process moves too slowly for the current emergency. GM responds by reiterating its unwavering commitment to the partnership, emphasizing that its employees work around the clock to provide medical professionals with this crucial technology as rapidly as possible.