Jamie Dupree

Trump unveils 'Operation Warp Speed' to develop virus vaccine

Comparing it to the Manhattan Project which delivered nuclear weapons during World War II, President Donald Trump on Friday announced a new coordinated plan to develop a vaccine against the Coronavirus, expressing the hope that it could be delivered to Americans much quicker than many experts have predicted.

"Again, we would love to see if we could do it prior to the end of the year," the President said during a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House.

"America will meet the moment," Mr. Trump added. "It's called Operation Warp Speed."

"That means big, and it means fast," the President said.

"We will get the job done," declared Defense Secretary Mark Esper, as the Pentagon will lend its resources to the research effort.

Along with Pentagon support, the President tapped Dr. Moncef Slaoui to be the vaccine development chief for the Coronavirus project.

"I am honored to be asked by the Administration to take on this important responsibility,” said Slaoui.

Working with Slaoui will be U.S. Army General Gustave Perna.

As he announced the new vaccine development efforts, the President again jawboned states to relax their virus restrictions, and allow businesses and schools to re-open.

"I think the schools should be back in the fall," Mr. Trump told reporters. "I think lots of things should happen."

Jamie Dupree

Jamie Dupree, CMG Washington News Bureau

Radio News Director of the Washington Bureau