WASHINGTON-Wednesday, United States President Donald Trump hosted several eminent business leaders throughout the country for a business round-table at the White House.
Trump exuberantly commenced the proceedings, stating “Next year is going to be a big year for our economy. The 4th Quarter is going to be really, really good.”
Trump again expressed sentiments he has shared many times during his COVID-19 briefings, saying “everyone wants to get open. Everyone wants to get back to work.”
Vice President Mike Pence then spoke, saying “We’ve saved lives. We’ve protected the vulnerable. Testing will play a role in how we move to the next stage.” Pence then mentioned something of great importance to his specific audience as he concluded, stating “we’ve got to find a way to help America get back to work.”
Chris Nassetta, the president and chief executive officer of Hilton, confirmed people want to get back to business and the want to feel safe.
Nassetta said that when people come to their hotels, people can feel safe and secure. He said the industry is attempting to mobilize a consistent set of standards and he hopes Hilton can set the tone.
Nassetta stated “we stand ready as an industry to get America up and moving again.”
In conclusion, he said he will grant 1 million hotel rooms at his locations nationwide to first responders.
Walt Elmer of Waffle House then confirmed that “restaurants have a unique opportunity to lead us [America] out of this.” He cited that restaurants have always meticulously and cautiously handled food so this prepares the food service industry uniquely for this task. He concluded, saying “The safety of our guests is always paramount.”
Up next was Chris Reynolds, the chief administrative officer of manufacturing and corporate resources for Toyota. He said Toyota plans to open all plants nationwide May 11, but that Toyota will be data-driven as opposed to date-driven.
Reynolds said the facilities have been prepared for “safe and healthy working” to occur for employees.
Matt Maddox, the CEO and president of Wynn Resorts, represented the Las Vegas Strip comprehensively.
Maddox said that phase 1 of the Las Vegas Strip’s reopening plan is slated to occur this week, starting with such places as nail salons.
Next, he said, the plan is to have the entirety of the Las Vegas Strip reopened by Memorial Day.
Josh Bolten, the president/CEO of the Business Round-Table, then said that clear science is to guide White House guidelines for safely reopening the country.
Bolten said further that “more specific guidance” is now needed from national leaders to businesses across the country.
Bolten said that while things will take a while coming back, the old-fashioned principles of America “vigilance, adaptation and innovation” will shepherd the nation through this crisis.
Larry Kudlow, the director of the United States National Economic Council said he believes that late in the summer, the economy can rebound well into 2021.
Kevin Hassett, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers said he is also portending a propitious future, echoing Kudlow’s statements.
A few remarks were then made by U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, who said “we need to remember the limits of government.” He then confirmed, in his closing remarks, that “a vibrant economy is the best way to assist workers.”
In conclusion, Trump said “we can get that economy back very very quickly.”
The White House Coronavirus Task Force will presumably address the media again Thursday.
