Cisco Systems, the networking company, and McDonald’s were among the major employers that learned of their involvement in consulting with the president only when he mentioned their names on Tuesday evening, according to people familiar with the matter.

Pfizer was also blindsided by its inclusion in the group, receiving a heads-up that Mr. Trump might mention the company an hour before the announcement, with no information about how many other companies were involved or what the purpose of the group was…

The pattern of confusion appeared to be repeating itself with members of the House and Senate who were abruptly notified that they had been selected for a congressional task force on reopening the country.

The congressional group had yet to convene, and was only notified of its existence Wednesday afternoon. In emails sent to offices on Capitol Hill, the White House legislative affairs office did not so much invite the lawmakers to participate as inform them of their selection.