Trump: I'll Act on My Own on 4 Issues

He's preparing executive orders on jobless benefits, student loan relief, others
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 8, 2020 6:40 AM CDT
Trump: I'll Act on My Own, as Talks Falter
President Trump speaks at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, N.J., Friday, Aug. 7, 2020.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

The workweek came and went without a deal in Congress for pandemic relief, and that's despite a two-hour meeting Friday with Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Treasury's Steven Mnuchin, and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. Afterward, the latter two said they would recommend that Trump issue executive orders, and the president pledged to do just that in a Friday evening press conference, reports USA Today. Details are scarce—including on where the money would come from—but Trump said he planned to tackle four main issues, per the Hill:

  • Pay enhanced unemployment benefits through the end of the year
  • Defer student loan payments and forgive interest for the near future
  • Reinstate a federal moratorium on evictions
  • Defer the payroll tax until year's end

Trump said he could issue the orders by the end of this coming week—"they're being drawn by the lawyers right now"—though he left the door open for negotiations to resume, reports Politico. As of now, no further meetings have been scheduled amid the impasse, notes the Washington Post. (More President Trump stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X