can begin the next front in our war, opening up our country. jillian: it is friday april 17th, fox news alert, reopening america again. that is the latest rallying call from donald trump to unveil his administration's plans to lift lockdowns. rob: we are live to breakdown the plan is america prepares to overcome coronavirus state-by-state. lawmakers from both sides agree on one thing, china needs to be held accountable for its apparent cover. jillian: the idea is being proposed as potential us payback. >> bob bounty hunter bobby bandy now but you can call me bobby d. stay-at-home but if you got to go - jillian: matthew mcconaughey making headlines with his acts of kindness for first responders. rob: we will talk to one fire

department about the impact the superstar is having on front-line heroes. "fox and friends first" continues right now. good morning. you are watching "fox and friends first" friday morning. jillian: thank you for starting your day with us. we begin with a fox news alert, donald trump launching the next front in the war against covid-19. jillian: the white house unveiling new guidelines would reopening the economy. griff jenkins in washington with the plan. >> reporter: this is a three phased approach, the president leaving the decision to the governors on the heels of the latest jobless claims, 5 million more americans filing for unemployment for a total of $22 million. >> the country is suffering, the world has suffered. my administration is issuing new federal guidelines that will allow governors to take a phased

and delivered approach to reopening their individual states. >> reporter: let's look at the guidelines, phase i, restaurants, gyms, places of worship, strict social distancing, elect the surgeries resume. schools and bars remain closed, high risk individuals stay home. phase 2 further loosened existing guidelines, schools organize activities, nonessential travel resumes, bars open with diminished capacity, diminished capacity of 50 people more should be avoided. phase 3 open things up. employers have unrestricted staffing, bars operate with restrictions a standing room, senior visits and hospitals are allowed. the plan is drawing criticism. joe biden had this to say. >> i wouldn't call it a plan. he has punted. he decided he doesn't have a right to make the call for the country and talked about phases that in the generic sense

doesn't give you any hard guidelines. >> reporter: on the hill nancy pelosi, the white house's vague and inconsistent document does nothing to make up for the president's failure to listen to the scientists and produce and distribute national rapid testing. when does it all begin? consult your governor, the president says 29 states may be ready to open before may 1st. jillian: thank you. rob: calls growing on both sides of the aisle for china to be held accountable for not being transparent on where covid-19 originated. jillian: congress ways possible payback for misleading the world. >> reporter: lawmakers want china to be held accountable. more speculation surrounding the origin of covid-19 coming from a 11 wuhan, china. a senior world health organization official was asked in late february of the chinese government censored coronavirus

data and if that played a role in the acceleration of this virus. he said in part i don't know. i didn't look at that. i'm being completely honest. 's mission in china was focus on what works not what went wrong. senators like marco rubio slam china for handling the coronavirus pandemic. >> china's reputation globally has been badly damaged, there are plenty of countries out there who know how china mishandled this, the damage china has suffered is irreparable. >> reporter: lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are talking about possible payback against china for action staging took or failed to take in early may, and bills about possible pulling back manufacturing and pharmaceutical industry. this as donald trump freezes all the money going to the world health organization from the us and foreign affairs committee sent a letter to the president

saying the voluntary contributions should be dependent on the resignation of the world health organization's director. the ranking member of the committee, michael mccall, said the us is the largest funder of the who contributing $893 million during the two year budget cycle. in the same cycle the people's republic of china contributed $86 million. china's foreign ministry spokesperson is denying the virus was linked to the wuhan lab saying the head of the who has no evidence the transmission started there. rob: thank you so much. jillian: overnight the city of indianapolis lighting up a blue in an unprecedented honor for a fallen police officer, hundreds of masked police officers social distancing as they lined the indianapolis motor speedway, patrol cars parked along the

track's two mile stretch. her sister breaking down as she remembers breanne with one of her many nicknames. >> i love you so much, baby. i am going to make you proud. >> reporter: the track tribute ending with a gun salute and taps honoring the officer's bravery and there was. she was shot and killed when responding to a domestic violence call. she served in the army national guard before joining the department two years ago following in the footsteps of her sheriff's deputy father. she leaves behind a 3-year-old son. rob: the governor of new jersey ordering an investigation into nursing homes across the state after 17 bodies were found in a makeshift morgue, leading authorities to the rehab center in andover, the state's largest nursing home, from governor murphy calling the disturbing find very heartbreaking. >> i am outraged that bodies of the dead were allowed to pile up in a makeshift morgue in the facility.

new jersey living in our long-term care facilities deserve to be cared for with respect, compassion, and dignity. we can and must do better. rob: 17 bodies, 19 people epicenter died since the end of march, 100 residents infected. state and federal officials say the facility was understaffed but has since hired more. michael cohen will be released from prison early over covid-19 concerns, the president's former lawyer will serve the rest of his term in home confinement, a break for him. he is at a new york prison were 14 inmates and 7 staffers tested positive for covid-19. :serving three years since being convicted of fraud and lying to congress, he was set to be released in november of next year. jillian: the denver broncos revealing their star linebacker von miller has contracted covid-19. the super bowl mvp is in self

isolation at home. the nfl network reporting he will be speaking out sometime later today. he is the second active nfl player to test positive for the virus. rob: delivering a virtual surprise to some kids inspired by their tricks. jillian: the boys were going to show their globetrotter skills in a talent show but when it was canceled they did it for their families instead over zoom. and this. >> the world-famous harlem globetrotters, with moves like that i had to join the party. rob: look at that. so excited. we love that story. he made their day. for more inspiring stories like this head to foxnews.com/americatogether. can you spin it on the finger?

jillian: i have been alongside the globetrotters multiple times, they start spinning and put it on my finger i can hold it there but that is it. rob: so you can sheet. it is hard to do. the president charting is in babylon china. >> america has a stake in china's success. china is on a rising path. >> the united states welcomes the rise of a prosperous, peaceful and stable china. rob: china's lack of transparency about the origin of covid-19 changing the conversation virtually overnight. jillian: our next guest says it is time to hold beijing accountable. dean chang at the marriage foundation joins us live.

>> america has a stake in china's success. >> china is on a rising path and america welcomes the emergence of a strong and peaceful and prosperous china. >> the united states welcomes the rise of a prosperous, peaceful and stable china. rob: america's stake in china has withstood decades but as more is revealed about the possible origin of covid-19 should we be rethinking our relationship with beijing? jillian: joining us with his take from the heritage foundation is dean chang. thank you for being here. what do you think of that? do we need to reevaluate our relationship with china? what are your thoughts this morning? >> part of the issue is the china of today is not the china that george w. bush or george h w bush talked about.

is much richer, a china that has more in the wave international response abilities but as we see with covid-19, the same sort of china that continues to cover up information about things like global pandemics and its own human rights violations. rob: their agenda can be really scary. we heard stories about scientists that wanted to warn about this virus disappearing. here is senator lindsey graham talking about china. >> if it were not for the irresponsible give the chinese communist party there would be no pandemic in the world. americans would be alive today, 22 million people would be at work, china, time to hold them responsible. they are the largest state sponsor of pandemics in the entire globe. rob: a lot of building rage against this country for a number of reasons. do you think this will spill over and get people to pay attention? >> i hope it gets people to pay attention not just here but everywhere around the world.

the chinese have a clear strategy for the future, the global 5g network, i expect them to hide pandemic aid, you should open up your markets to huawei, hoping countries won't fall for that. jillian: in the us, they should be focused on us right now because china is focused on themselves and their recovery. >> absolutely. the united states is the leading power. we need to think about how we want the who to look when it deals with the next pandemic which may come out of china. do we want leadership that can't use the words taiwan without becoming tongue-tied. rob: another complete embarrassment is the world health organization which is heavily funded by the united states and what exactly were they doing when this was happening in china was evidently lying? let's take a look at a moment that was had in a news conference from february 20 fourth.

sorry, i will read it out. from a reporter, you obviously spoke to people in wuhan. doctors and people on the front lines. to what extent do you think of her up and censorship played a role in allowing the virus to accelerate at the right that it did? doctor bruce said whether other factors as the when you mentioned played a role i don't know frankly. didn't look at that. i'm just being completely honest. almost as if the world health organization embraced taking a blind eye, trusting china implicitly which is not a trustable nation. >> absolutely. as of february, he had much better examples of countries that dealt with covid-19 without being authoritarian, best example south korea but also taiwan. he later goes on to say if he dealt with covid-19 he would hope to be treated in china. sometimes you should be careful what you wish for. jillian: is the president taking the right approach with the

world health organization? >> i think the optics of cutting off aid right now is very troubling especially because we are in the middle of a pandemic. it is also never a good time in the eyes of some to take an international organization to task. who's conduct and operations are deeply troubling, failed to halt this pandemic. something needs to be done and that includes getting everyone's attention, not just americans. rob: thank you for your time, we appreciate it. jillian: it is 17 after the hour, faith over fear, a mindset for many americans during these dark days. rob: martin luther king jr. reminds us science gives us facts, religion gives us morals, the two are not rivals. coming up next.

>> the u.s. army ramping up the effort to find a vaccine. >> there working on 3 types of vaccines, to offer clinical testing in humans by the summer. the vaccine is among several being considered by the us government. rob: meeting her newborn son for the first time since recovering from covid-19. holding little walter, she contracted the virus in her third trimester and was placed on ventilator forcing her to have an emergency c-section. >> 11 days later she recovered and finally met her little boy. what a moment that must've been. jillian: fear about covid-19 and

its conferences grips the globe month after the first diagnosed case but in darkness a call to prayer from the niece of doctor martin luther king jr.. rob: fox news contributor alvina king joins us with face -- faith over fear. thank you for coming on. >> glad to hear about the mother reunited with her child. some reports from one who contracted covid-19 and they are better. rob: tell us your message this morning. >> during this time, i had an opportunity to pray with many people, to pray myself and even though we are sequestered at home, to talk to you and encourage our viewers and people to not panic but to pray. true faith will help us and love and help, we are communicating.

we can be kind to others and help us and that is going to carry us through. i have asked god to forgive me and america needs to do that too and turn back to god and continue to pray and god will bring us through. jillian: a lot of people are asking the same question you ask when you pray and that is god come is this you causing covid-19? tell us the answer you found. >> i asked very early, god, is this you? because this is terrible. i was led immediately in my heart to read psalm 2. the heathens and people imagine a vain thing and the rumors of this world are asked to do their thing and god in heaven, stirring about this. god is being stern and what i believe is god is showing us --

i am allowing it so you will come back to me. pray, talk to me. the president of the united states led the nation in prayer several times and hope you will continue to do that, will lead to a sentence as well. as that is happening our hearts are changing. as our hearts change we can come together like palm trees that stick together and hold the grove in the middle of a storm. i believe that is going to happen. rob: a quote from martin luther king jr. science gives man knowledge which is power, religion man wisdom which is controlled, the two are not rivals, they are complementary, an important quote right now. give me your advice to keep your head right and keep the faith during this pandemic. >> science, philosophy, religion, human life is sacred so we need to remember that. we need to be kind, work to

gather rather than splintering and divided. as we do that, we are going to seek a lifetime. as we see that light, we will now. jillian: thank you very much for your work this morning. >> thank you. jillian: have a good day. rob: 25 minutes after the are, the program designed to keep mainstreet a float is fresh out of funds. >> $350 billion is depleted and we are going for another $250 billion. they want it, they have to have it. rob: are next guest says the situation is a mess and hurting small businesses. jillian: a small businessman joins us live.

rob: the president paying tribute to thousands of lives lost to coronavirus. jillian: the us sees its deadliest day yet. >> reporter: a 24 hour period, 2500 people who died from coronavirus, the number of fatalities in the us topping 33,000. here's donald trump addressing the loss of life. >> we believe we will experience far fewer deaths than even the

optimistic projection but there is no such thing as an optimistic projection on death. one person is too many. rob: protests continuing throughout the country from michigan to virginia to wyoming to north carolina and beyond, people demonstrating against lockdown orders they call tyrannical and worse than the virus, many ignoring social distancing, chanted at their state governments to reopen, the president seems more inclined to leave to the governors. >> they seem to be protesters like me and respect this opinion and my opinion is the same as all the governors. they all want to open. nobody wants to stay shut. >> one area reopening its beaches is jacksonville, florida with limited hours in the

morning and early evening. in ohio the governor announcing his intention to gradually open up by may 1st challenging states residents to do so in a state manner. in new york and other east coast states the shutdown of nonessential businesses and schools has been extended a month, governor cuomo saying he will look at the data to determine what to do after that. 56,000 people have recovered from the virus in the us so far. rob: thank you. jillian: the paycheck protection program, small business relief is topped out. >> our paycheck protection program which is a tremendous success is depleted. $350 billion is depleted and we are going for another $250 billion. they wanted they have to have it. rob: as democrats duke it out stalling additional funding of a startling small businesses are

in serious danger of going under for good. jillian: how business owners can hang on. thank you for joining us. >> thank for having me on. jillian: a lot of small business owners are upset they have to wait longer because at this point every day counts. >> it really does. we are telling clients to do a few things. i believe more funding is on the way. if you are looking for a paycheck processing loan you should continue to apply it. bear in mind the big online lenders have provided the capability to apply for these loans. i recommend going to them. some are cabbage with a k, paypal, square, quickbooks capital and lendi/o. those are the lenders providing paycheck processing and a good alternative for a lot of people that are set up to accept those loans.

stay the course with you need to apply go ahead and apply, try your bank but also try online lenders as well and you will have a quicker response when the money becomes available. rob: the pain of this thing, how the money has run out so fast is staggering. let's look at the stats from business closures, one in four small businesses have shutdown temporarily. that is a lot. one in ten facing a permanent shutdown in less than a month unless they get funding. talk about how important it is for congress. >> there are a couple studies saying more than half of small businesses could not survive the next 90 days if they don't get some type of funding. putting aside their own issues with cash flow it does bring up a big issue, they have to step up and provide this funding. the shutdown at the government

caused and rightly so many people to slowdown and set operations that they need that type of support so i am urging democrats and republicans to pass a bill, they need it. jillian: i heard some stories of people having better luck with smaller banks and larger ones right now. >> without voicing my complaints a lot of that is said in the media. we will have more success with smaller community, independent bankers. the bankers have more relationships, some of those bankers are not as well versed in the language for small business association loans. that is why i like online lenders because they have infrastructure.

they don't have technology infrastructure in place and sometimes the process has taken longer. the online lenders, we had the most success so far. rob: the president itching to get the economy back up and going, it was his pride and joy before this. take a listen. >> i don't want anyone coming back that isn't in position to come back. we want then to come back when they are ready. they are really hitting in a good direction and it will be much faster than people think. i think it will be quicker but it has got to be safe. rob: the administration gave its plan how to reopen the country. what do you think of it? >> the plan itself is good. it is the right direction to let states make the right decision. my opinion he should be requiring states to communicate better to their citizens and small businesses, if they are experiencing a sustained decrease in cases and their plans to make it to the next

phase, a lot of states are not doing a good job communicating that. small businesses have a responsibility. we are going to be allowed to reopen soon. there are many small businesses around the country that are in operation right now because they are resettled businesses. we need to take lessons from them. the moment we are allowed to reopen we need to have safe workplaces, temperature checks in place, sanitizers everywhere, we should be requiring or having the ability for employees to get tested. we should maintain social distance as well as provide the ability for employees to work from home. that is what a lot of businesses are doing that are still able to operate. they are learning those lessons. if you're going to reopen you should look at those businesses, take away lessons from them so when it comes time to reopen your ready to go and have a good, safe environment for your employees.

jillian: 2200 employees, devastating numbers in the information you are providing is so valuable, thank you. rob: 36 after the hour. easily to essential workers the keep the economy moving. >> i speak for the 330 million plus americans that we say thank god for truckers. rob: the president's message of thanks to the unsung heroes helping us get through this pandemic. jillian: no fans in the stands, the policy that could become the new normal. would you rather have fan free sports or none at all? we share your comments.

in this time of social distancing, when taking a break from everyday life is critical to everyone's health, there is one thing we can all do together: complete the 2020 census. your responses are critical to plan for the next 10 years of health care, infrastructure, and education. let's make a difference, together, by taking a few minutes to go online to 2020census.gov. it's for the well-being of your community and will help shape america's future. ♪ >> in the war against the virus american truckers are the foot soldiers who are really carrying us to victory. they've done an incredible job. thank god for truckers. jillian: donald from submitting the men and women of the trucking industry for their dedication during the pandemic.

rob: the only people on the roads right now. cheryl casone with the challenges drivers are facing. >> reporter: never thought i would see a large fedex truck in front of the white house but that was yesterday. large trucks, several drivers on display at the white house yesterday. the president said thank god for truckers. the president expressing gratitude for their service during this pandemic. >> at a time of widespread shutdowns truck drivers formal lifeblood of our economy, leave their homes and delivered supplies, american families need and count on. i speak for the 330 million plus americans, we say thank god for truckers. jillian: elaine chat attended that event. whether it is food, healthcare supplies, basic staples, truckers have been on the road. they have little access to food

themselves, we should say. but their jobs are critical for the country. the nation's supply chain absolutely depends on them. jillian: starbucks exploring how to reopen stores. who doesn't miss starbucks right now raise your hand. >> reporter: i missed it in the city. kevin johnson sent a letter to employees saying they are ready to monitor and adapt their strategy to begin the process of reopening us stores, the letter came the same day the president spoke with governors about how to get closer to normal. this will be on a case-by-case basis, looking at it region by region but your favorite starbucks will probably look a little different, there will likely be contactless service, entryway pickup, curbside delivery. that may be the new normal for a while until they figure out if it is safe. if you live in new york you know what i'm talking about.

rob: anywhere to go anything to do. thank you. the pga tour promising to get back into the swing in june. jillian: planning to host the charles schwab challenge in texas, kept away from pro golf events, the pga hoping to host tournaments until the beginning of september. rob: this follows recommendations from doctor anthony fauci on how supports should return, players should be kept in hotels with regular coronavirus testing. would you rather have seasons in empty stadiums or wait until games get back to completely normal? your comments pouring in on this. jillian: fans can watch from home, players want to play. rob: kurt right it is just a scrimmage without the fanfare live. jillian: i would taken the stadium games if need be, no one wants to wait any longer for all this to get back up.

you have to think about the players too. i would be curious if a lot of the moral of them would play, if they are kept in hotel rooms and can see their family, that would be tough. rob: that is the tricky part. football would be like golf, no fans cheering, just quiet. jillian: for the record i want to watch golf. time to check in. with steve doocy to see what is coming up on "fox and friends" getting all sides of the story. >> i think this summer golf could become the biggest sport in america on television. jillian: it is in my yard. >> the only sport on television, social distancing on an 18 hole golf course. good morning to you. coming up on the friday telecast the surgeon general of the united states, doctor jerome adams stopping by with an update on the coronavirus and how the

government will slowly phase in back to normal when it comes back to normal, director larry kudlow, right up his alley and senator tom cotton, donna brazile and karl rove. at the conclusion of the telecast we kick of the weekend at home, live entertainment, live living room concert with country music star chase rice. we know you're stuck in the house, he is stuck at his house so he will be singing live from his living room on "fox and friends". a busy three hours, 14 minutes from now on the channel you trust for your morning news. back with much more after a brief commercial.

>> welcome back. many celebrities are holed up in hollywood, matthew mcconaughey has been making a lot of headlines including tsa on do-it-yourself. >> i'm bobby bandito, you can call me bobby d, for them over like so. strap it on like that. jillian: he has been handling n95 masks. joining us with more, austin, texas fire department. hope you are doing well.

matthew mcconaughey and his wife kamala donating those masks, what was that like? >> someone reaches out to make contact, to make a difference in the community, when we received a call they were going to donate, the community is in flight to keep everybody safe, first responders safe, put a big smile on your face. it was great. shannon: they donated 1295 -- 1200 n95 masks. it is not necessarily just the number, it is more about the gesture. >> that is right. 1200 masks, that is 1200 first responders serving the community to not spread the virus to others and that is fantastic. it is the leadership they are showing that if you have the means to assist they are doing

it and i hope others follow their example. that is four extra masks for somebody. it is about the gesture and how they are stepping up and leaving in the community. jillian: a statement from his wife, quote, it was important to make sure you are in austin, not just hospital but the police department and the fire debarment as well. we have to find ways to help both sides, can't afford to lose any of them. it is incredible, doing these things in their community. i am curious where you stood with your personal protective equipment before they made this donation. >> we were doing pretty well because they stepped up so early. we are like everybody else as we utilize protection with community spread of the virus. we are in the same boat as everybody else, searching for

masks and resources. it is a worldwide issue. we are not looking for it. having them be on the frontlines to try to find equipment, that made a difference to help us out and build up stock and give us reserve supply which is fantastic. jillian: it is great to see you, thank you very much, hope you had a good day. >> thank you very much. jillian: it is eight minutes until the top of the hour. a classy captain taking off on social media after pouring his heart out to special passengers, this story coming your way next. a gives us confidence... ...we can spend a bit now, knowing we're prepared for the future. surprise! we renovated the guest room, so you can live with us. i'm good at my condo. well planned, well invested, well protected. voya. be confident to and through retirement.

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♪ jillian: good morning and welcome back. some of michigan's sheriffs say they won't endorse stay-at-home orders accusing her of abusing her power as they fill the streets with that same message. rob: carley shimkus is here with what social media has to say about this. carley: over the weekend governor gretchen whitmer expanded orders banning gatherings of any size and adding restrictions to what essential businesses can sell. but these orders have actually caused thousands of people to leave their homes in protest four county sheriffs vow to enforce them. while we understand her desire

to protect the public we question some restrictions that she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority. she has created a vegas frameworvague work ofemergency e michigan citizens. michigan's attorney general shot back by statute saying the governor's executive orders and law enforcement officers are duty-bound to enforce them. who is right and who is wrong? see what people have to say. richard on twitter say officers should be proud. they intor an oath not to the governor but to the people. but abby writes: governor whitmer is just trying to protect as many michiganders as possible. and people are really getting mad about that? there is a big debate taking place protecting people's health versus preserving their freedom. sheriffs are going to use discretion and enforce laws on a case-by-case basis. jillian: some medical staff and

personnel been flown to the new york area because it has hit so hard with covid-19. a captain had something to say. >> everybody in the tristate area and the rest of the country, i really, really appreciate and thank you for what you are willing to volunteer to do. jillian: so great. carley: united airlines captain explained his wife a nurse so he wanted to honor the medical workers volunteering to ophelia fly to the new york, new jersey area to fight covid-19. he asked them to stand up to receive a round of applause. he camed off that message with a tweet saying it was a personal honor for me and my crew to take those brave folks into the heart of the battle of covid-19. united airlines responded suddenly it's getting a little dusty in here. another twitter writer writes beautiful and emotional words. we love you captain. and salute our medical

personnel. rob: most of the people flying are going to help somebody else. what about this goldberg machine? carley: if you are looking for activities to do this weekend, this could definitely eat up a chunk of your free time. watch. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ and they did it. so a family in san francisco created this elaborate two story maze all in an effort to score a foosball goal. books, dominoes. they say it took them 13 hours to successfully complete, which makes me want to take a nap for them i definitely salute them

and give them a big old round of applause. jillian: anything you can do to eat up some time and have fun with your family. rob: very imprison. carley, thanks so much. that's it for us. jillian: have a good day. rob: "fox & friends" begins right now. >> we can begin the next front in our war, which we are calling opening up america again. and that's what we are doing. we are opening up our country. we must have a working economy. and we want to get it back very, very quickly. and that's what's going to happen. i believe it will boom. brian: finely a blueprint and a fox news alert. president trump says the nation is ready for the next step state by state in the war against covid-19. the white house releasing guidelines to reopen the economy in three phases. carley: thi