Trump's coronavirus task force is reportedly awaiting 'research' from Jared Kushner before making an emergency declaration
Ahead of an address to the nation tonight, President Donald Trump is reportedly waiting on a final sign-off from his son-in-law before going with the White House Coronavirus Task Force's recommendation.
Kushner's involvement is part of a discombobulated White House response to the virus, with Trump "reluctant to declare an expansive emergency to combat the escalating coronavirus outbreak, fearful of stoking panic with such a dramatic step," according to a Politico report.
Instead, Trump is looking at a more limited package that would fit with his messaging downplaying the severity of the virus, according to Politico.
Just when Jared Kushner's policy portfolio couldn't get any thicker, the president's son-in-law has reportedly found himself at the crux of a critical coronavirus decision.
Mandel Ngan / AFP / Getty
Kushner, 39, has already been helming the White House's efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, resolving the opioid crisis, and serving as liason to Mexico, China, and the global Muslim community, among other things. He is now set to be the final sign-off on the White House Coronavirus Task Force's recommendation to the president ahead of his address tonight, according to a report from Politico.
President Donald Trump is hesitant to go for a full emergency declaration, according to three people familiar with the decision making who spoke with Politico, and is instead leaning towards a more limited response that woud keep in line with his penchant to downplay the severity of the virus and calm the markets.
However, Kushner is reportedly the lynchpin to whatever Trump will announce in his address to the nation later tonight.
According to Politico, "the task force will not give Trump its final verdict" ahead of the address until Kushner "finishes his research and comes to a conclusion himself."
Under the Stafford Act, Trump would be able to give federal agencies more authority and leeway to assist in transportation and shelter for those affected by the virus, tapping into the $34 billion disaster relief fund under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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