MyPillow manufacturing masks for hospitals in fight against COVID-19

Pillow and linen manufacturer MyPillow announced this week that it is producing face masks to be shipped to hospitals across the U.S., as the country deals with shortages of personal protective equipment due to the coronavirus pandemic.

What are the details?

The company posted an image on Twitter on Tuesday of founder Mike Lindell and MyPillow employees showing off the masks in a conference room with the message, "MyPillow is excited to announce that we are now manufacturing face masks for hospitals across the country!"

According to The Hill, the company noted that the masks "are not for sale to the general public."

Lindell is a devoted supporter of President Donald Trump, who has praised American firms for stepping up to produce medical supplies like masks and ventilators amid skyrocketing demand in the fight against the spreading virus.

MyPillow joins the ranks of other firms who have switched up their manufacturing to help, including car manufacturer General Motors and clothing manufacturer Hanes.

Anything else?

President Trump has faced criticism from many on the left for not using his authority under the Defense Production Act to force private companies to produce needed medical supplies.

The president has resisted using the DPA, and explained during a press conference over the weekend: "We have tremendous numbers of companies making equipment. We're a country not based on nationalizing their businesses. We have the threat of doing it, if we need it. But using it is actually a big deal," the Washington Times reported.