Trump Administration Alters National Stockpile Website To Cover Kushner Claims
Jared Kushner was pilloried Thursday after telling reporters at the daily coronavirus briefing that the “federal” Strategic National Stockpile is “our stockpile,” and that, therefore, states shouldn’t rely on it for live-saving materials in the event of an emergency.
It’s a flawed statement at face value, one directly contradicted by language on the Strategic National Stockpile’s website at the time.
“The Strategic National Stockpile is the nation’s largest supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out,” the website read.
“When state, local, tribal, and territorial responders request federal assistance to support their response efforts,” it continued, “the stockpile ensures that the right medicines and supplies get to those who need them most during an emergency. Organized for scalable response to a variety of public health threats, this repository contains enough supplies to respond to multiple large-scale emergencies simultaneously.”
Caught in a lie, the Trump administration didn’t correct itself; instead, it changed the website.
This is what the website for the federal stockpile said yesterday vs what it says today, after Kushner was caught lying about how states aren’t supposed to be using it. It was changed to say, “Many states have products stockpiled, as well.” https://t.co/kbNXiwaJbX pic.twitter.com/xAtPKIyHnA
— Laura Bassett (@LEBassett) April 3, 2020
New language published on the Strategic National Stockpile website Friday reframes the strategic stockpile as only “supplementary” in nature, and shifts blame for any shortfall to the states.
Here’s the new description, in full:
The Strategic National Stockpile’s role is to supplement state and local supplies during public health emergencies. Many states have products stockpiled, as well. The supplies, medicines, and devices for life-saving care contained in the stockpile can be used as a short-term stopgap buffer when the immediate supply of adequate amounts of these materials may not be immediately available.
In a statement Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services claimed the updated language was in the works before Kushner’s briefing.
Many are asking about an update to the ASPR website. ASPR first began working to update this text a week ago to more clearly explain the role of the Strategic National Stockpile. HHS has been using this same language in statements to the press for weeks now.
— HHS Public Affairs (@SpoxHHS) April 3, 2020
For the record, Kushner’s original claim is below. Also for the record: No, Kushner doesn’t have any experience in medicine or epidemiology.
JARED KUSHNER: "The notion of the federal stockpile was it's supposed to be our stockpile. It's not supposed to be states stockpiles that they then use." pic.twitter.com/9Q7j8QBCMv
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 2, 2020
A HuffPost Guide To Coronavirus
Stay up to date with our live blog as we cover the COVID-19 pandemic
How long are asymptomatic carriers contagious?
Why it might take weeks for people and businesses to get government relief
How to feel less lonely during social distancing if you live alone
I just got out of a COVID-19 ICU. Here’s how I made it through.
How to make a no-sew coronavirus face mask
What to do if you live with someone with COVID-19
What coronavirus questions are on your mind right now? We want to help you find answers.
Everyone deserves accurate information about COVID-19. Support journalism without a paywall — and keep it free for everyone — by becoming a HuffPost member today.
Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today.
Related...
Jared Kushner Appears At White House Coronavirus Briefing
Jared Kushner Ripped For Saying 'Our Stockpile' Isn't Meant For States To Use
Seth Meyers To Coronavirus Pandemic Adviser Jared Kushner: ‘You’re A Nepotism Case'
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.