Coronavirus: Donald Trump sidesteps Congress to extend COVID-19 relief package

Donald Trump has bypassed Congress to give thousands of Americans a tax holiday and extra unemployment benefit after talks with the Democrats collapsed.

The president signed executive orders to extend economic relief for those hit hardest by the coronavirus at a news conference at his private New Jersey country club on Saturday.

He accused Democrats of “trying to steal the election” after talks on the next phase of COVID-19 support broke down.

“If Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage, I will act under my authority as president to get Americans the relief they need,” he told reporters in Bedminster, New Jersey.

Mr Trump has decided to cut payroll tax for anyone earning less than $100,000 (£75,000) a year and continue giving the unemployed $400 (£300) a week – after the previous benefit of $600 (£450) expired.

He also signed orders to hold off student loan payments and extend the freeze on evictions.

Source: Read Full Article