U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the fight against coronavirus. Previously, experts from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and White House officials gave distinct messages about the situation. Pence convened a meeting with health officials and academics, stressing that they need to report to him, and all statements and public appearances should be coordinated with his office. The New York Times believes that Pence will "control" the statements of health department experts.