Trump signs executive orders extending coronavirus relief, setting up legal battle with Democrats
Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders on Saturday for coronavirus relief, seeking to bypass Congress after negotiations stalled in Washington — setting the stage for a legal battle with Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill.
The orders would provide $400 in additional relief to unemployed Americans each week, as well as a payroll tax holiday for taxpayers who earn less than $100,000 annually, beginning in August through the end of 2020. He also promised to forgive the taxes if he wins re-election in 2020.
The second order would ensure renters and homeowners can avoid eviction throughout the pandemic. His third order would expand unemployment benefits after additional relief funds for Americans who lost work during the pandemic expired. The order would provide $400 a week in addition to state unemployment benefits.
The president claimed Democrats “have refused” to accept Republican-led stimulus packages, and that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have held the proposals “hostage” — despite Congress passing the sweeping HEROES Act in May, which provides billions in relief funds.
Mr Trump spent the beginning of his press briefing on Saturday attacking the HEROES Act and mail-in voting, claiming states like Nevada “certainly don’t have the infrastructure” for expanded absentee ballot measures.
A fourth order the president signed on Saturday would extend current policies waiving student loan payments through the end of the year, adding that student loan relief would likely be extended immediately after it expired in early 2021.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
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