Trump to Try Going it Alone on Coronavirus Aid after Talks with Congress Break Down
News 18White House officials trying to broker a deal on new coronavirus legislation will advise President Donald Trump to act on his own to deliver relief to Americans suffering from the pandemic, after talks with top Democrats in Congress broke down on Friday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said they would recommend that Trump issue executive orders over the weekend to resume enhanced unemployment benefits, reinstate a moratorium on evictions and address other issues. Pelosi said she gave him and Meadows a stern parting message: “Come back when you’re ready to give us a higher number.” Trump has also said he could use an executive order to defer payroll tax payments in an effort to stimulate the reeling U.S. economy, as he seeks reelection in November. LIMITS ON EXECUTIVE POWER The U.S. Constitution gives Congress authority over federal spending, so Trump does not have the legal authority to issue executive orders determining how money should be spent on coronavirus.