Trump invokes Defence Production Act to prevent export of N95 masks, PPEs

"We need these items immediately for domestic use. We have to have them," Trump added

Speaking from the White House at the Coronavirus taskforce press Briefing, President Donald Trump on Friday said that he is invoking the Defense Production Act to prevent the export of N95 respirators, surgical masks, glove and other personal protective equipment (PPE) used in coronavirus treatment.

The directive is "to prohibit the export of scarce health and medical supplies by unscrupulous actors and profiteers."

He said that the Homeland Security Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will work jointly on this directive.

"We