Trump scalded with anger for 'pretending' to order more ventilators on Twitter instead of invoking executive order

President Donald Trump issued a series of attacks against General Motors after the White House reportedly backed out of a deal to produce ventilators over cost -- and other social media users were left scratching their heads.

The White House was reportedly set to announce a joint venture between General Motors and Ventec Life Systems to produce tens of thousands of badly needed ventilators, but government officials reportedly balked at the $1 billion price tag.

Trump raged at General Motors and their CEO Mary Barra and then ordered the company to begin making ventilators under the Defense Production Act -- although it wasn't clear whether the president was officially invoking his executive powers or just letting off steam on Twitter.

The president's outbursts stunned and confused observers as the nation grapples with a coronavirus pandemic that threatens millions of lives.