Today, Americans from all regions, of all races, and every political persuasion will join together for prayer over the growing threat of coronavirus.
President Donald Trump declared Sunday a National Day of Prayer and pointed out how the public has historically found solace in faith during times of crisis. The first Sunday of every March since 1988 has been designated a National Day of Prayer in the United States, but Trump personalized this year’s day of prayer to address the outbreak of COVID-19.
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“It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer,” Trump wrote.
Trump laid out the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic during an an address in the Rose Garden on Friday afternoon. He announced that the Food and Drug Administration plans to have 1.4 million testing kits available for the public by next week and as many as 5 million by the end of March.
“We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these,” he added.
It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2020
During his address, Trump promised access to up to $50 billion in aid to state and localities as communities brace for the disease.
“No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!” Trump wrote in a follow-up tweet.
Large public gatherings have been temporarily banned in urban sites around the country, and grocery stores have been stripped bare as panicked people gather supplies in anticipation of the spread.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 1,000 points in response to Trump’s remarks.
–Metro Voice and wire services
