Apr 6, 2020 - Health

Trump says he's reached agreement with 3M to produce 166.5 million masks

Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images.

President Trump said at a press conference Monday that an agreement has been reached with 3M to produce 166.5 million masks to be distributed over the "next couple of months."

Why it matters: Trump said last week that he was "not happy" with 3M's exporting of masks overseas, blaming the manufacturing company for exacerbating a shortage in the United States. 3M CEO Mike Roman has maintained that the company is doing everything it can to produce medical gear and support American cases.

  • The president last week invoked the Defense Production Act to ban “unscrupulous actors and profiteers” from exporting vital medical gear.
  • Trump shifted his tone on Monday, stating: "So the 3M saga ends very happily. We are very proud to be dealing with 3M."
  • The president also noted that he spoke to Roman prior to the press conference and that the CEO was "very happy to get it done."

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