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President Trump is expected to sign an executive order Tuesday that will ensure all Americans have access to the coronavirus vaccine before the U.S. government begins aiding nations around the world, Fox News has learned. Senior administration officials told Fox News Monday that the president will reemphasize to the American people that the “priority has been an America First approach,” during a vaccine summit at the White House Tuesday. ... “The priority is to make sure we distribute these vaccines to Americans before we start shipping them around the world to get international access,” an official told Fox News, predicting that international assistance could come “late spring, early summer,” and after they “achieve vaccinating those who have a desire to be vaccinated.” (Singman, 12/7)

In a call with reporters Monday afternoon, a senior administration official described the order as primarily a “reaffirmation of the president’s commitment to America First.” Additionally, the order directs a handful of government agencies, including the State Department and the United States Agency for International Development, to work together to help international partners and allies procure Covid vaccines, the official said. (Higgins, 12/7)

While it’s not entirely clear on how exactly the executive order would work, the move is designed to prevent the U.S. government from shipping any doses it has purchased to aid any foreign countries until all needs are met within the United States. (Gittleson and Parkinson, 12/7)

Trump, who has faced sharp criticism for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, is eager to take credit for the speedy development and distribution of a vaccine. One official said the executive order would lead to the formulation of guidelines for U.S. government agencies to help other countries procure the vaccine once demand in the United States was met. (Mason, 12/7)