President Donald Trump declared a "major disaster" in the state of New Jersey due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump's declaration comes a day after he declared a disaster in five states, but failed to include New Jersey despite its large number of confirmed cases.
According to the White House, Trump's declaration frees up emergency funds that can be sent to "State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures."
On Wednesday, Trump declared disasters in Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, New York and Texas in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump delayed including New Jersey in the declarations despite a plea for help from Gov. Phil Murphy.
The White House has declared major disasters in the following states:
Florida (declared March 25)
Iowa (declared March 25)
Louisiana (declared March 25)
New Jersey (declared March 26)
New York (declared March 25)
Texas (declared March 25)