President Trump on Friday is expected to name a former pharmaceutical executive and an Army general to help develop a coronavirus vaccine during an appearance in the Rose Garden, according to a report.
Moncef Slaoui, a former GlaxoSmithKline executive, will lead “Operation Warp Speed,” the president’s all-out push to develop a vaccine, according to CNBC, citing an administration official.
Slaoui, who will serve in a volunteer capacity, will be assisted by Army Gen. Gustave Perna, commander of United States Army Materiel Command, according to the report.
The president plans to deliver his remarks at noon before taking part in the presentation of the US Space Force flag.
Trump and his aides hope to produce vaccines faster than what many scientists believe is realistic – aiming to have 300 million doses available for distribution by the end of the year, CNBC reported.
“Operation Warp Speed” is operating mostly independently of the White House coronavirus task force, which also is shifting its focus toward the development of a vaccine.
With Post wires
