Trump: FEMA, military's virus response a 'miracle'

As the first alarms sounded in early January that an outbreak of a novel coronavirus in China might ignite a global pandemic, the Trump administration squandered nearly two months that could have been used to bolster the federal stockpile of critically needed medical supplies and equipment.

A review of federal purchasing contracts by The Associated Press shows federal agencies largely waited until mid-March to begin placing bulk orders of N95 respirator masks, mechanical ventilators and other equipment needed by front-line health care workers.

When an AP reporter attempted to ask Trump about the issue on Sunday, the president cut off the question.

"FEMA, the military, what they've done is a miracle," Trump said with a flash of anger. "What they've done is a miracle in getting all of this stuff. What they have done for states is incredible."

Trump then ended the briefing and walked off the podium.

By that time the orders were placed, hospitals in several states were treating thousands of infected patients without adequate equipment and were pleading for shipments from the Strategic National Stockpile.

That federal cache of supplies was created more than 20 years ago to help bridge gaps in the medical and pharmaceutical supply chains during a national emergency.

(Picture credit: AP)