Speaking from the White House Tuesday morning, President Trump announced a new round of stimulus, totaling $19 billion, for American farmers.
"We're here this morning to announce dramatic action to support our nation's farmers, ranchers and growers as we work to safely reopen America and it's happening very fast, much faster and with much better numbers than anybody would have thought," Trump said. "I want to begin by expressing our profound gratitude to everyone here today and to farmers and producers across the country who have kept our nation fed and nourished as we have battled the invisible enemy."
He also explained how broken supply chains from farms to restaurants have been shifted to food banks and kitchens.
The Trump Administration is launching a sweeping new initiative: the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program! pic.twitter.com/7tQo2g3Nxv
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 19, 2020
Some farmers who will benefit from the program were in attendance and told their stories.
"We were able to benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program, and now this bridge will also help us get into the new growing season," says Scott Sink, a Virginia livestock producer. pic.twitter.com/7JNfeYhIBx
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 19, 2020
"We always expect the unexpected ... and we didn't expect this," says Virginia farmer Robert Mills, Jr.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 19, 2020
"But I will tell the American people that your farmers and your ranchers are out here working each and every day to make sure that those grocery store shelves stay full." pic.twitter.com/tz6hphqOuB
During his remarks, President Trump also floated the possibility of ending meat exports from the United States to China and has said in recent weeks his appetite for a new trade deal with the communist country has soured.
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