Memorandum on Extension of the Use of the National Guard To Respond to COVID-19 and To Facilitate Economic Recovery

President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential memorandum titled "Memorandum on Extension of the Use of the National Guard To Respond to COVID-19 and To Facilitate Economic Recovery." This action provides direction to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security. Specifically, it extends the 100 percent federal cost share for the State of Florida's use of National Guard forces for duty through December 31, 2020. This includes duty necessary to comply with health protection protocols or other agreed health protection measures.

This memorandum directly affects the State of Florida by continuing federal financial support for its National Guard forces involved in COVID-19 response and economic recovery efforts. More broadly, National Guard forces across the country have provided critical support to Governors in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, such as those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and in fighting COVID-19 hot spots. The memorandum aims to continue providing maximum support to states and territories as they make decisions about their responses to combat COVID-19 and facilitate economic recovery.

Presidential memoranda like this one are a routine administrative tool used by every modern administration. They function similarly to executive orders but are typically more narrow, guiding executive branch agencies on priorities, interpretation of statutes, and implementation procedures. The President's authority to direct executive branch operations is grounded in Article II of the Constitution, and such memoranda are considered a standard exercise of presidential power, as long as they operate within existing law and respect congressional mandates. This particular memorandum's stated purpose is to foster close cooperation and mutual assistance between the Federal Government and the States and territories in the battle against COVID-19 and to facilitate economic recovery.

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