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U.S President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force head Vice President Mike Pence reportedly has stopped shipments of personal protective equipment for medical workers destined for US allies as it tries to get more of the equipment in the hands of American doctors and nurses. The gag order on United States Agency for International Development shipments from American companies originated from confusion after Trump administration officials tried to obtain PPE from Thailand. Politico also reported they found a shipment of the similar order was being sent from the U.S to Bangkok. The task force head reportedly put a stop on all shipments to American allies as the Trump administration tried to get all the PPE into American hospitals following an increase in coronavirus cases and deaths over the next 2-weeks.

The news outlet also reported the shipment freeze has stopped aid designed for 13 countries, the publication reported. Pence hasn’t yet responded for comments for confirmation and an update on the widespread coronavirus situation in the country. The moratorium comes as the administration continues taking heat over nearly 18 tons of protective equipment it sent China to deal with that country’s outbreak, even though the first case had hit U.S soil and American intelligence agencies. It has since been reported, were warning the White House regarding the potential scope of an outbreak in America. A Congresswoman California Democrat Maxine Waters chairs the influential Financial Services Committee.

On Monday, Waters mocked the U.S President over the issue and wrote on Twitter, “Trump, you incompetent idiot! You sent 18 tons of PPE to China early but ignored warnings & called COVID19 concerns a hoax. You’ve endangered doctors, nurses, aids, orderlies & janitors, all risking their lives to save ours”. It is noteworthy that Trump and Waters have a years-old feud, and he frequently tried to paint Democratic House and Senate candidates during the 2018 midterm. News outlet also said some officials officials are concerned the alleged order could hurt the ability of American companies to compete with Chinese firms in the global PPE market.