LyrArc Article Gist
Mr. Peter Navarro, 70, a key advisor to president Trump on trade and economic policy, is now the DPA policy coordinator.  Mr. Navarro takes on the presidential task force role of coordinating government-business cooperation with wartime powers under the Defense Production Act. Mr. Navarro says in an interview with the WSJ that he will take tough measures if necessary. Saying this is no time for delay, to hoard or price gouge, companies must move quickly or the government will clear the obstacles. "This is war. When there are bumps in the road, President Trump is going to knock them down immediately and unmercifully."  A California Economics professor Mr. Navarro warned about the virus and epidemics of this kind in a 2006 book. He now assumes this role after president Trump said about GM "always a mess," after long negotiations with GM leading to a shrinking supply of ventilators and government frustration. President Trump then used DPA powers to order GM to make ventilators and lined up 5 other manufacturers in 2 days. Navarro says he is following Trump time which he has in his office. This meaning he and the president will use the full arsenal of federal powers to get things done in record time.  ...