Billionaire Bill Ackman Demands Trump Demonstrate “Leadership,” Order 30-Day Nationwide Shutdown

Last updated on March 24th, 2020 at 08:42 am

Billionaire Bill Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital, took to Twitter to demand President Donald Trump order a 30-day nationwide shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Shutting down the country and closing our borders “is the only answer,” Ackman said in response to a growing public health crisis that has claimed the lives of at least 117 Americans nationwide, with no sign that the rate of infections will drop anytime soon.

“Tell all Americans that you are putting us on an extended Spring Break at home with family. Keep only essential services open. The government pays wages until we reopen,” he said.

Ackman pointed out that a shutdown is inevitable, though it is currently not happening “in a controlled fashion which is extending the economic pain and amplifying the spread of the virus.”

A “30-day rent, interest and tax holiday for all” would alleviate economic concerns, he said.

Exponential math is not on our side, Ackman continued, noting that postponing a shutdown would cost possibly “millions of lives” while decimating the economy.

“With your leadership, we can end this now. The rest of the world will follow your lead,” he concluded.

Ackman’s call comes as health experts advise people around the country to stay home and practice social distancing in an attempt to “flatten the curve” of the virus. There are nearly 8,000 recorded cases across the United States, though that number is bound to be significantly higher in light of a nationwide testing shortage many have attributed to the federal government’s botched response.

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Alan Herrera

Alan is a writer, editor, and news junkie based in New York.

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