Trump announces a national emergency, 'two very big words,' over the coronavirus

Donald Trump.
(Image credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

President Trump has officially declared a national emergency over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Trump spoke in the Rose Garden on Friday afternoon and said he is declaring a national emergency after Bloomberg reported he would take this step in order to make more federal aid available for states and municipalities as they respond to the virus.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.