President Trump on Friday afternoon said he signed a presidential memorandum directing the government to use "any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act" to require General Motors GM, -1.86% to make ventilators for hospitals to help patients with COVID-19. The order requires GM to "accept, perform, and prioritize Federal contracts for ventilators." In a statement, Trump said, "Our negotiations with GM regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course. GM was wasting time. Today's action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives."