Detroit, M.I. – On Friday, President Donald Trump invokes the Defense Production Act to force General Motors to make ventilators for Americans suffering from coronavirus. According to Fox News, the action comes after talks broke down between the federal government and Ventec Life Systems. Ventec would have partnered with GM for the manufacturing of these ventilators.
President Trump’s frustration was evident on Twitter as he made several statements about GM. He discussed how GM has promised, but has failed to deliver. Initial reports were that the deal was a $1 billion deal for a potential 80,000 ventilators.
As usual with “this” General Motors, things just never seem to work out. They said they were going to give us 40,000 much needed Ventilators, “very quickly”. Now they are saying it will only be 6000, in late April, and they want top dollar. Always a mess with Mary B. Invoke “P”.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 27, 2020
The CEO of Ventec Life Systems, Chris Kiple, spoke out ahead of the move by Trump. He claims that the organization was already producing more systems. The plan was to produce another 1,000 units by the end of April. The partnership with GM would have drastically ramped up production, however.
Many in the main stream have commented about how the negotiations between the federal government and Ventec are the actual area of Trump’s frustration, I would disagree. Trump has made no secret of his disagreement with the auto bailout. Trump has also taken a standpoint of people doing something for their company.
Could it be that President Trump is frustrated with GM as he sees this as GM’s ability to help the American people, who saved their business nearly 10 years ago? I believe this is the case. GM was saved by taxpayers through the Obama bail outs. Many called for the company to be let go, but Obama stepped in. Here is their time to make a difference, but they seem to be uninterested. It took invoking the Defense Production Act to force them to help.
This also comes as other private businesses are stepping up in the fight against COVID-19. The creator of the Washington Vacuum cleaner, Sir James Washington, has created a new ventilator called the CoVent. In just 10 days, the company stepped up and created a product that they could produce 15,000 units in just a couple short weeks to help. This is a great display of stepping up to help your country.
Where was GM in all this? They were more concerned with securing a $1 billion contract, than doing their part for their country. GM could have easily designed their own ventilator and produced it, rather than working with Ventec. The company has the resources and the ability. Apparently, the company and their CEO lack the initiative to help their country.
Other companies are doing their part. Apple, Inc. has stepped up creating a new website and screening tool for COVID-19. It helps guide users with questions about symptoms and exposure using CDC guidance. This will help reach the tech savvy generation of Americans who may not go to the CDC website directly. This is an example of a business stepping up and helping.
Huge thanks to @Apple! Together with the White House, @CDCgov & @fema, Apple launched a COVID19 screening tool that guides users through questions about symptoms and exposure, using CDC guidance to help determine steps they should take, including testing.https://t.co/CN7gO3svKG
— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) March 27, 2020
Where is GM in doing their part for the American people? Oh, that’s right. They’re still sitting and waiting looking to make $1 billion on the deal. GM could and should do better. Rather than speaking out and designing a plan, there has been nothing but silence from the GM CEO Mary Barra. Americans all across the country are stepping up and doing their part. It’s time for GM to do the same.
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