It's not over for the coronavirus task force
Some things have changed since we last spoke.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump told reporters that the White House coronavirus task force would continue on "indefinitely." His comments came one day after Vice President Mike Pence said the task force's work would be transferred to other federal agencies, possibly this month.
"I thought we could wind it down sooner," the president acknowledged Wednesday during an Oval Office event with nurses. "But I had no idea how popular the task force is until actually yesterday when I started talking about winding down."
The president in a series of tweets did say some members of the task force would be changed, but did not give specifics.
Trump also on Wednesday vetoed a bipartisan measure to limit his war powers against Iran. He criticized the Republicans who voted for the measure, calling it "very insulting."
"The few Republicans who voted for it," Trump said, "played right into their hands."
The measure would have limited the president's ability to launch a military attack in Iran unilaterally. Members of the Congress did not have the 2/3 majority needed to override the veto.
What else happened Wednesday? We're glad you asked.
- The coronavirus pandemic is causing a surge in gun sales that is overwhelming the FBI's background check system.
- It looks like there is going to be a New York primary after all. Maybe.
- The Supreme Court is struggling to find balance between religious freedom and reproductive rights in birth control coverage debate.
- And Ruth Bader Ginsburg was weighing in from the hospital.
- Coronavirus stimulus checks sent to dead people need to be returned, the Treasury Department says.
On a final note: It's Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Day. Thanks to all you educators and medical workers out there. You guys are the best. -- Annah Aschbrenner