News coverage has centered on the coronavirus protests that have broken out in states enacting harsh lockdowns such as Michigan, North Carolina, and others over the past week. Commentators have compared these with the “Tea Party” rallies of more than a decade ago.

One of the most important legacies the Trump administration will leave behind is the mountain of regulatory red tape taken off the books. This red tape reduction contributed greatly to the expansion of our economy, the growth of the stock market, and the reduction in unemployment. This has been a key part, if not the cornerstone, of fulfilling the president’s promise to “drain the swamp” in Washington.

The economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic has left many wondering what’s ahead for Americans if federal, state, and local officials don’t soon begin taking steps to reopen the economy. Businesses of all sizes have taken drastic steps and, unfortunately, had to make tough decisions to furlough or layoff workers.

It’s time for us to begin the process of reopening the economy. Nearly 17 million Americans—or 11 percent of the U.S. labor force—have filed for unemployment benefits in the last three weeks. About 6.6 million people filed last week alone.

“Realistically, COVID-19 will be here for the next 18 months or more,” Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel told Lawrence O’Donnell last weekend on MSNBC. He continued, “How are people supposed to find work if this goes on in some form for a year and a half? Is all that economic pain worth trying to stop COVID-19? The truth is we have no choice.”