— David Zalubowski, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will use the Defense Production Act to keep pork, beef and poultry processing plants open.
Trump’s decision, which the White House said aims to protect the nation’s food supply, comes as at least 20 plants across the country have been shuttered temporarily by outbreaks of COVID-19. The moves comes after industry executives warned of possible shortages and an appeal from Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota.
The order coincided with a renewed call by union leaders for more extensive testing of meat packing and processing workers.