Stimulus update: Trump abruptly scraps talks, punting on economic relief until after Election Day

CNN — President Donald Trump has ordered his negotiators to halt talks over a new stimulus package, after the two sides have struggled for months to reach a deal, a stunning move that puts an end to last-ditch efforts for a major economic relief package as millions are reeling from the coronavirus crisis. With lives at stake, we cannot afford to stop negotiations on a relief package,” and adding, “I strongly urge the President to rethink this move.” Pelosi slammed the announcement from the President in a statement, saying, “Clearly, the White House is in complete disarray.” “Today, once again, President Trump showed his true colors: putting himself first at the expense of the country, with the full complicity of the GOP Members of Congress,” Pelosi said, adding, “Walking away from coronavirus talks demonstrates that President Trump is unwilling to crush the virus.” Pelosi and Mnuchin spoke over the phone at 3:30 p.m. Pelosi unloaded on the President over the decision during a private conference call with House Democrats on Tuesday, telling her caucus that Trump isn’t telling the truth about the negotiations, arguing that Democrats have a scientific plan to crush the virus and that Republicans have a real contempt for science, a person on the call told CNN. Pelosi said that Trump is “desperate” and so is trying this “stunt.” She called his abrupt decision to end the talks a “Hail Mary.” She also said his tweet was incorrect. Even if policy actions ultimately prove to be greater than needed, they will not go to waste.” In one sign of how the announcement from the President took lawmakers by surprise, one member texted CNN that Trump’s tweet was “incredible,” while another reacted by saying only, “wow.” Democrats and Republicans have been at odds over proposals for a new stimulus measure for months, despite efforts to reach a deal through bipartisan negotiation.