WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Friday he faced his biggest decision yet with regard to when to re-open the U.S. economy from its coronavirus shutdown and pledged to listen to health experts when making that determination.
Speaking at a White House coronavirus briefing, Trump said he would unveil a new advisory group next week that would focus on the process of economic opening.
The president, who faced criticism for playing down the threat from the virus in its early stages, has chafed at the devastating economic impact of the strict social distancing measures his administration has recommended. The guidelines are set to stay in place through the end of April.
The president will then have to decide whether to extend them or start encouraging people to go back to work and a more normal way of life.
“I’m going to have to make a decision, and I … hope to God that it’s the right decision,” Trump said. “It’s the biggest decision I’ve ever had to make.”
Trump said the facts would determine the next move, though he reiterated his desire to re-open the economy. Asked what metrics he would use to make his judgment, he pointed at his forehead: “The metrics right here, that’s my metrics.”
Trump suggested