On March 22, 2020, Trump invoked the Defense Production Act. The Defense Production Act (DPA) is the primary source of Presidential authorities to expedite and expand the supply of resources from the U.S. industrial base to support military, energy, space, and homeland security programs. It gives the president certain powers in an emergency:
- Order companies to make goods critical to the current situation.
- Uses DHS to ensure security for goods and raw materials to reach their destination.
- Protect and restore critical infrastructure.
Some examples of changeover of industry that are already taking place:
- US distilleries are to make alcohol gel for hand sanitizing.
- Underwear manufacturers are being retooled to make masks.
Source: https://www.fema.gov/defense-production-act-overview
The DPA gives certain department heads certain authorities in Executive Order 13603.
