talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-08--Trump Signs Flurry Of Executive Orders With Lowered Weekly Unemployment Benefit

President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders Saturday afternoon , a move he telegraphed from a Friday press conference from his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey .
The orders , Trump said Saturday , centered on reinstating unemployment insurance benefits ( though at a lower level ) , deferring the federal payroll tax , extending the eviction moratorium and deferring student loan payments and forgiving interest .
Many of the executive orders are likely to prompt lawsuits .
“ If we get sued , it ’ s somebody who doesn ’ t want people to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wandered into various campaign issues for the first minutes of his speech , he promised that the coming orders would “ take care of pretty much this entire situation.
” Trump said that he ’ d extend unemployment insurance benefits at a level of $ 400 per week , 75 percent of which will be covered by the federal government and 25 percent of which will be covered by the states .
Before its expiration , the benefit ran at $ 600 a week .
The executive order asserts that the money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds allocated by the CARES Act and the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Disaster Relief Fund .
The White House has previously indicated its belief that it can use a not-yet-spent $ 81 billion from the CARES Act , as well as direct the Labor Department to loan states money to help bolster the benefit .
The CARES Act doesn ’ t explicitly ban Trump from using the aid for unemployment benefits , but would surely prompt anger — if not a lawsuit — from Congress over the executive overreach into its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payroll tax deferment , Trump said that it would last the rest of 2020 for people making less than $ 100,000 a year , and that the tax would be permanently eliminated if he wins in November .
He had previously expressed his interest in deferring the payroll tax payments , though the idea was unpopular with members of both parties who worried that the lack of payment would seriously harm the funding of Medicare and Social Security .
On the rent eviction moratorium , he said that he will direct the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with the moratorium , provide financial assistance to renters and landlords , though he did not provide specifics .
The order does not actually prevent evictions and provides little more than suggestions to HUD on how to help renters avoid evictions under current law : “ Such action may include encouraging and providing assistance to public housing authorities , affordable housing owners , landlords , and recipients of Federal grant funds in minimizing evictions and foreclosures , ” the order reads .
With the student loan deferment order , Trump said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy through the end of the year and further than that most likely.
” He also said that he was “ looking at ” income and capital gains tax cuts , the former mainly for “ middle income and lower income people.
” Trump had pledged to act Friday “ if Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage ” after his negotiators , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , failed to broker a compromise with House Leader Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) and Senate Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He specifically cited all of the orders he ultimately signed Saturday .
He made that announcement from Bedminster as well , to a crowd of initially maskless collared-shirt wearing country club members .
The event turned into a pseudo campaign rally , with Trump calling it a “ peaceful protest ” after club members starting heckling a reporter who pointed out their lack of social distancing .
Democrats actually addressed almost everything Trump targeted in his orders in a relief package called the HEROES Act the House passed in May , but Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nature and over $ 3 trillion price tag .
Only coming to the negotiating table days before the unemployment insurance benefit expired , Republicans failed to muster the votes to coalesce behind counter-legislation , leaving the four lead negotiators in a series of meetings to try to find a mutually acceptable solution .
None had been reached as Mnuchin and Meadows left an unproductive one-hour meeting with Pelosi and Schumer Friday , telling reporters that they ’ d advise Trump to go ahead with the orders .
Trump had already decamped to Bedminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commit to challenging the orders in court earlier on Friday , telling reporters that she ’ ll “ let them know ” her next moves if and when Trump signs them .
She said earlier in the week that she doesn ’ t think the President ’ s team “ knows what they ’ re doing ” and dismissed the orders as wholly insufficient to address the current crisis .
She actually goaded him to sign the executive order granting the eviction moratorium , but said that it ’ ll do little good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead negotiators had been going back and forth for days with little to show for it .
On Friday , Schumer said that the Democrats offered to take the topline of their relief package down $ 1 trillion if Republicans would offer $ 1 trillion more in their proposals .
He added that the compromise was met with “ vehemence ” by the White House negotiators .
The two sides are also still far apart on specific issues , including the unemployment insurance benefit which expired last Friday and aid to schools , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments .
The past week saw small concessions on both sides , but significant disagreement on even what form the relief should take .
Democrats are advocating for expansive relief in the form of the HEROES Act .
Republicans have been unable to unify behind any plan , but one floated proposal rang in at a more modest $ 1 trillion and omitted Democratic priorities like state funding and election aid .
Part of the difficulty in reaching a deal stems from the deep divisions within the Republican caucus .
Moderate Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reelection , have been more eager to reach a deal and to report coming aid to their constituents .
At least 20 Republican senators though , by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s ( R-KY ) count , won ’ t support any more federal aid being spent at all .
Democrats , on the other hand , have stood largely firm behind the HEROES Act .
Trump , though not directly involved in the negotiations , has been publicly musing over unilateral action for days , and has been in frequent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American public want action .
So , again , we ’ re not going to just keep on coming back every day if we can ’ t get to a deal .
We ’ ve said by the end of the week , we wanted to reach an agreement on the major issues , ” Mnuchin said Thursday .
“ The president wants us to get a deal or he wants to move on and he ’ ll take other action .
”

President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions Saturday afternoon, a move he telegraphed from a Friday press conference from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
The actions, Trump said Saturday, centered on reinstating unemployment insurance benefits (though at a lower level), deferring the federal payroll tax, extending the eviction moratorium and deferring student loan payments and forgiving interest.
Many of the actions are likely to prompt lawsuits.
“If we get sued, it’s somebody who doesn’t want people to get money,” Trump said.
As he wandered into various campaign issues for the first minutes of his speech, he promised that the coming actions would “take care of pretty much this entire situation.”
Trump said that he’d extend unemployment insurance benefits at a level of $400 per week, 75 percent of which will be covered by the federal government and 25 percent of which will be covered by the states. Before its expiration, the benefit ran at $600 a week.
The executive action would take money from states’ funds allocated by the CARES Act and the Department of Homeland Security’s Disaster Relief Fund. The White House has previously indicated its belief that it can use a not-yet-spent $81 billion from the CARES Act, as well as direct the Labor Department to loan states money to help bolster the benefit. The CARES Act doesn’t explicitly ban Trump from using the aid for unemployment benefits, but will prompt anger — if not a lawsuit — from Congress over executive overreach into its power of the purse.
The action raises a host of new questions for unemployed Americans, including how long the new program would take to get underway.
On the payroll tax deferment, Trump said that it would last the rest of 2020 for people making less than $100,000 a year, and that the tax would be permanently eliminated if he wins in November. He had previously expressed his interest in deferring the payroll tax payments, though the idea was unpopular with members of both parties who worried that the lack of payment would seriously harm the funding of Medicare and Social Security.
On the rent eviction moratorium, he said that he will direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development to, along with the moratorium, provide financial assistance to renters and landlords, though he did not provide specifics. The action does not actually prevent evictions and provides little more than suggestions to HUD on how to help renters avoid evictions under current law: “Such action may include encouraging and providing assistance to public housing authorities, affordable housing owners, landlords, and recipients of Federal grant funds in minimizing evictions and foreclosures,” the executive memorandum reads.
With the student loan deferment action, Trump said that the administration would be “extending this policy through the end of the year and further than that most likely.”
He also said that he was “looking at” income and capital gains tax cuts, the former mainly for “middle income and lower income people.”
Trump had pledged to act Friday “if Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage” after his negotiators, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, failed to broker a compromise with House Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). He specifically cited all of the actions he ultimately signed Saturday.
He made that announcement from Bedminster as well, to a crowd of initially maskless collared-shirt wearing country club members. The event turned into a pseudo campaign rally, with Trump calling it a “peaceful protest” after club members starting heckling a reporter who pointed out their lack of social distancing.
Democrats actually addressed almost everything Trump targeted in his actions in a relief package called the HEROES Act the House passed in May, but Senate Republicans rejected the plan’s expansive nature and over $3 trillion price tag. Only coming to the negotiating table days before the unemployment insurance benefit expired, Republicans failed to muster the votes to coalesce behind counter-legislation, leaving the four lead negotiators in a series of meetings to try to find a mutually acceptable solution.
None had been reached as Mnuchin and Meadows left an unproductive one-hour meeting with Pelosi and Schumer Friday, telling reporters that they’d advise Trump to go ahead with the actions.
Trump had already decamped to Bedminster at the time.
Pelosi did not commit to challenging the actions in court earlier on Friday, telling reporters that she’ll “let them know” her next moves if and when Trump signs them. She said earlier in the week that she doesn’t think the President’s team “knows what they’re doing” and dismissed the actions as wholly insufficient to address the current crisis.
She actually goaded him to sign the executive action granting the eviction moratorium, but said that it’ll do little good without accompanying rental assistance.
The four lead negotiators had been going back and forth for days with little to show for it. On Friday, Schumer said that the Democrats offered to take the topline of their relief package down $1 trillion if Republicans would offer $1 trillion more in their proposals. He added that the compromise was met with “vehemence” by the White House negotiators.
The two sides are also still far apart on specific issues, including the unemployment insurance benefit which expired last Friday and aid to schools, as well as to state and local governments. The past week saw small concessions on both sides, but significant disagreement on even what form the relief should take. Democrats are advocating for expansive relief in the form of the HEROES Act. Republicans have been unable to unify behind any plan, but one floated proposal rang in at a more modest $1 trillion and omitted Democratic priorities like state funding and election aid.
Part of the difficulty in reaching a deal stems from the deep divisions within the Republican caucus. Moderate Republicans, and especially those who are up for reelection, have been more eager to reach a deal and to report coming aid to their constituents. At least 20 Republican senators though, by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) count, won’t support any more federal aid being spent at all.
Democrats, on the other hand, have stood largely firm behind the HEROES Act.
Trump, though not directly involved in the negotiations, has been publicly musing over unilateral action for days, and has been in frequent touch with his negotiators.
“The American public want action. So, again, we’re not going to just keep on coming back every day if we can’t get to a deal. We’ve said by the end of the week, we wanted to reach an agreement on the major issues,” Mnuchin said Thursday. “The president wants us to get a deal or he wants to move on and he’ll take other action.”
Read the actions here.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-08--Dems Accuse Trump-Allied Postmaster Of ‘Sabotage’ Amid Election Mail Delay

Democrats have accused Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , a Trump ally , of “ sabotage ” and playing “ partisan games ” by changing operations and cutting top personnel from the nation ’ s mail service as voters prepare to cast mail-in ballots in upcoming elections amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ The drastic changes to the Postal Service by an overtly partisan Postmaster General are another example of the President ’ s attempts to prevent millions of Americans from having their votes counted , ” Committee on Oversight and Reform Chair Carolyn Maloney ( D-NY ) said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ historic number of Americans to vote by mail.
” DeJoy said in a memo obtained by The Washington Post Friday that a sweeping reorganization plan would displace the two top executives overseeing day-to-day operations .
Maloney was among a group of nine Congress members to sign a letter on Friday that requested Postal Service Inspector General Tammy L. Whitcomb to investigate how DeJoy went about crafting policy that bars postal workers from taking overtime or making additional trips to deliver mail on time .
Government Operations Subcommittee Chair Gerry Connolly ( D-VA ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service changes in a tweet Friday “ a crooked ordeal , ” later adding that it was “ deliberate sabotage to disrupt mail service on the eve of the election — an election that hinges on mail-in ballots.
” Senator Elizabeth Warren ( D-MA ) also signed the letter , tweeting Saturday that it was DeJoy ’ s job to “ get the mail delivered on time , not play partisan games.
” “ How many ways can the new Postmaster General sabotage the @ USPS ?
” Warren added .
The Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Capitol Forum , that the U.S .
Postal Service has told states that they ’ ll need to pay first-class 55-cent postage to mail ballots to voters , a significant hike from the 20-cent bulk rate .
The reorganization at the U.S .
Postal Service , has intensified tensions between postal officials and many Democratic lawmakers , who have pushed to expand mail-in-voting as a safe option for voters to avoid crowding polling stations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called on DeJoy to reverse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election mail delivery in some areas .
“ It could not be more clear they are trying to take down the United States Postal Service from the inside — at a time when we need it the most , ” Senator Kamala Harris , tweeted Saturday afternoon .
Per the Post , 33 staffers included in the former postal organization chart either kept their jobs or were reassigned , with five others joining the leadership from other roles .
Top Democrats raised eyebrows when DeJoy , who fundraised for President Trump was brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated more than $ 2 million to the Trump campaign and Republican causes since 2016 .
The highly partisan pick also raised question as to whether the selection of DeJoy was part of Trump ’ s months-long efforts to chip away at mail-in-voting in Democrat-led states .
At a public meeting of the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s Board of Governors on Friday , DeJoy addressed attacks from Congress over the reported delays in mail delivery .
“ We will do everything we can to deliver election mail in a timely manner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , adding that the postal service was not slowing down election mail .
DeJoy pressed lawmakers to take legislative action that would help pad the USPS ’ financial losses rather “ than sensationalizing isolated operational incidents ” which he acknowledged can occur from time to time .

Democrats have accused Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a Trump ally, of “sabotage” and playing “partisan games” by changing operations and cutting top personnel from the nation’s mail service as voters prepare to cast mail-in ballots in upcoming elections amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The drastic changes to the Postal Service by an overtly partisan Postmaster General are another example of the President’s attempts to prevent millions of Americans from having their votes counted,”Committee on Oversight and Reform Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) said in a statement Saturday noting expectations of “a historic number of Americans to vote by mail.”
DeJoy said in a memo obtained by The Washington Post Friday that a sweeping reorganization plan would displace the two top executives overseeing day-to-day operations.
Maloney was among a group of nine Congress members to sign a letter on Friday that requested Postal Service Inspector General Tammy L. Whitcomb to investigate how DeJoy went about crafting policy that appears to bar postal workers from taking overtime or making additional trips to deliver mail on time.
Government Operations Subcommittee Chair Gerry Connolly (D-VA) who offered his signature, called postal service changes in a tweet Friday “a crooked ordeal,” later adding that it was “deliberate sabotage to disrupt mail service on the eve of the election — an election that hinges on mail-in ballots.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) also signed the letter, tweeting Saturday that it was DeJoy’s job to “get the mail delivered on time, not play partisan games.”
“How many ways can the new Postmaster General sabotage the @USPS?” Warren added.
The Massachusetts Senator cited a finding, originally reported by the Capitol Forum, that the U.S. Postal Service has told states that they’ll need to pay first-class 55-cent postage to mail ballots to voters, a significant hike from the 20-cent bulk rate.
This is the clearest example yet of Trump and his puppet Postmaster General's attempts to sabotage the USPS before November's election. This kind of behavior is why we're demanding an investigation into Trump’s USPS—the Inspector General should add this to their list. https://t.co/2aXcLeZsF9 — Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) August 8, 2020
The reorganization at the U.S. Postal Service, has intensified tensions between postal officials and many Democratic lawmakers, who have pushed to expand mail-in-voting as a safe option for voters to avoid crowding polling stations amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called on DeJoy to reverse operational changes that appear to have slowed election mail delivery in some areas.
“It could not be more clear they are trying to take down the United States Postal Service from the inside — at a time when we need it the most,” Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted Saturday afternoon.
It could not be more clear they are trying to take down the United States Postal Service from the inside—at a time when we need it the most. Congress must immediately step up to save the Postal Service and safeguard our elections. There’s no time to waste. https://t.co/S3sodtYEpX — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 8, 2020
Per the Post, 33 staffers included in the former postal organization chart either kept their jobs or were reassigned, with five others joining the leadership from other roles.
Top Democrats raised eyebrows when DeJoy, who fundraised for President Trump was brought onto the role in June —DeJoy had donated more than $2 million to the Trump campaign and Republican causes since 2016.
The highly partisan pick also raised questions as to whether the selection of DeJoy was part of Trump’s months-long efforts to chip away at mail-in-voting in Democrat-led states.
At a public meeting of the U.S. Postal Service’s Board of Governors on Friday, DeJoy addressed attacks from Congress over the reported delays in mail delivery.
“We will do everything we can to deliver election mail in a timely manner consistent with our operational standards,” he said, adding that the postal service was not slowing down election mail.
DeJoy pressed lawmakers to take legislative action that would help pad the USPS’ financial losses rather “than sensationalizing isolated operational incidents” which he acknowledged can occur from time to time.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-08--Michigan Gov. Whitmer Met Biden In Person As VP Decision Looms

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ( D ) traveled to Delaware last weekend to meet in-person with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as he draws near a decision about who will fill the vice presidential slot on the Democratic ticket in November .
The Associated Press reported late Friday that Whitmer ’ s trip is the first known example of a potential running mate traveling to meet Biden for an in-person session as he comes close to announcing his decision .
Two high-ranking Michigan Democrats told the AP that Whitmer met with Biden on Sunday .
The governor ’ s office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s trip .
Spokeswoman Tiffany Brown told the AP , “ We don ’ t discuss her personal schedule.
” Biden campaigned for Whitmer during the 2018 gubernatorial election and the first-term governor has long been considered as a possible running mate .
Last week , reports surfaced that some Biden allies have urged the Democratic presidential nominee to break the news publicly around August 10 — just one week before the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin .
But Biden has conducted a months-long search for who would be his best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would choose a woman .
He built a list of at least a dozen potential candidates , among them , Democratic Senators Kamala Harris ( CA ) and Elizabeth Warren ( MA ) .
Rep. Karen Bass ( D-CA ) also made his list of picks .
According to Politico , more than 300 delegates to the Democratic National Convention and members of the Democratic National Committee urged Biden this week to pick Bass as his governing partner .
Some have suggested that Biden should select a Black woman amid the nation ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of racial inequality .
Some conservatives have smeared those calls .
Former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice earlier this week said that she was well-positioned as a potential pick since she had far-reaching experience dealing with public health crises under Obama .
Whitmer , the governor of a battleground state , deepened her national profile after delivering the Democrats ’ response to President Donald Trump ’ s State of the Union address .
She has also publicly criticized the President ’ s bungled pandemic response .
In April , she created a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic and proposed police reforms in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death .
Just days after meeting with Biden , Whitmer , who is a co-chair on his campaign on Wednesday declared “ racism to be a public health crisis.
” She also announced an advisory council of Black leaders to “ develop , review , and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.
” If Whitmer becomes Biden ’ s running mate and the pair wins , Lt. Gov .
Garlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s sole Black governor .

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) traveled to Delaware last weekend to meet in-person with Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as he draws near a decision about who will fill the vice presidential slot on the Democratic ticket in November.
The Associated Press reported late Friday that Whitmer’s trip is the first known example of a potential running mate traveling to meet Biden for an in-person session as he comes close to announcing his decision.
Two high-ranking Michigan Democrats told the AP that Whitmer met with Biden on Sunday.
The governor’s office declined to confirm or deny Whitmer’s trip. Spokeswoman Tiffany Brown told the AP, “We don’t discuss her personal schedule.”
Biden campaigned for Whitmer during the 2018 gubernatorial election and the first-term governor has long been considered as a possible running mate.
Last week, reports surfaced that some Biden allies have urged the Democratic presidential nominee to break the news publicly around August 10 — just one week before the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to begin.
But Biden has conducted a months-long search for who would be his best vice presidential pick, saying that he would choose a woman. He built a list of at least a dozen potential candidates, among them, Democratic Senators Kamala Harris (CA) and Elizabeth Warren (MA). Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) also made his list of picks. According to Politico, more than 300 delegates to the Democratic National Convention and members of the Democratic National Committee urged Biden this week to pick Bass as his governing partner.
Some have suggested that Biden should select a Black woman amid the nation’s struggle to address a long history of racial inequality. Some conservatives have smeared those calls.
Former Obama national security adviser Susan Rice earlier this week said that she was well-positioned as a potential pick since she had far-reaching experience dealing with public health crises under Obama.
Whitmer, the governor of a battleground state, deepened her national profile after delivering the Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. She has also publicly criticized the President’s bungled pandemic response. In April, she created a task force to address racial disparities amid the pandemic and proposed police reforms in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Just days after meeting with Biden, Whitmer, who is a co-chair on his campaign on Wednesday declared “racism to be a public health crisis.” She also announced an advisory council of Black leaders to “develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.”
If Whitmer becomes Biden’s running mate and the pair wins, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II would become the nation’s sole Black governor.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-08--Joe Arpaio Loses Sheriff Bid In Arizona GOP Primary: ‘Last Time I Run For Office’

Former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio , a close ally of President Donald Trump who became the face of aggressive crackdowns on illegal immigration , lost in a Republican primary race to win back his sheriff ’ s seat in Maricopa County — a race that he said was his last .
Arpaio lost Tuesday ’ s Republican primary to his former chief deputy Jerry Sheridan by roughly 6,300 votes , according to the latest count from the Maricopa County Elections Department on Saturday morning .
Sheridan will take on current Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone , a Democrat and former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2016 race .
Sheridan has promised to revive many of Arpaio ’ s policies , but according to The New York Times many political analysts have said Penzone is a favorite leading up to November .
Tuesday ’ s loss was Arpaio ’ s third electoral defeat in four years .
After losing his 2016 re-election bid , he was subsequently defeated in a three-way Republican primary for Senate in 2018 .
Arpaio told the Arizona Republic in an interview on Friday that this year ’ s race was “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arpaio made headlines nationally when he went against a court order to end immigration raids that racially profiled Latinos .
In 2017 , he was pardoned by Trump following a conviction of criminal contempt of court for continuing raids that targeted Latino people , The New York Times reported .
Sheridan , the winner of Tuesday ’ s primary , worked in the Maricopa County Sheriff ’ s office for 38 years — spending many of them alongside Arpaio — before he retired as chief deputy .
Although was found in civil contempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profiling case , Sheridan was not charged with criminal contempt due to the statute of limitations , CNN reported .
Much like the President , Arpaio ’ s campaign for sheriff stoked racial division and pitched a tough on crime message , but struggled to shore up support from suburban Republican voters in a historically conservative state that some have said appears to be up for the taking in this year ’ s presidential election .
Aside from the defeat of his ally , Trump currently trails his democratic opponent Joe Biden in @ @ @ @ @

Former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, a close ally of President Donald Trump who became the face of aggressive crackdowns on illegal immigration, lost in a Republican primary race to win back his sheriff’s seat in Maricopa County — a race that he said was his last.
Arpaio lost Tuesday’s Republican primary to his former chief deputy Jerry Sheridan by roughly 6,300 votes, according to the latest count from the Maricopa County Elections Department on Saturday morning.
Sheridan will take on current Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone, a Democrat and former Phoenix police officer, who ousted Arpaio in the 2016 race.
Sheridan has promised to revive many of Arpaio’s policies, but according to The New York Times many political analysts have said Penzone is a favorite leading up to November.
Tuesday’s loss was Arpaio’s third electoral defeat in four years. After losing his 2016 re-election bid, he was subsequently defeated in a three-way Republican primary for Senate in 2018.
Arpaio told the Arizona Republic in an interview on Friday that this year’s race was “the last time I run for office.”
Arpaio made headlines nationally when he went against a court order to end immigration raids that racially profiled Latinos. In 2017, he was pardoned by Trump following a conviction of criminal contempt of court for continuing raids that targeted Latino people, The New York Times reported.
Sheridan, the winner of Tuesday’s primary, worked in the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office for 38 years — spending many of them alongside Arpaio — before he retired as chief deputy. Although was found in civil contempt in 2016 in connection with the racial profiling case, Sheridan was not charged with criminal contempt due to the statute of limitations, CNN reported.
Much like the President, Arpaio’s campaign for sheriff stoked racial division and pitched a tough on crime message, but struggled to shore up support from suburban Republican voters in a historically conservative state that some have said appears to be up for the taking in this year’s presidential election. Aside from the defeat of his ally, Trump currently trails his democratic opponent Joe Biden in the polls in Arizona.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-08--Trump Claims He Is ‘The Last Person’ Russia Wants In Office

President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed a finding from a top U.S. intelligence official that found Russia will “ primarily denigrate ” Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in the 2020 election .
“ I think the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody ’ s been tougher on Russia than I have — ever , ” Trump said during a news conference at his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey on Friday when asked about the intelligence .
Earlier on Friday , the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center , William @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China and Iran as top foreign threats to the upcoming presidential race .
Evanina ’ s report fell short of explicitly stating that Moscow wants Trump re-elected for a second term , but noted that the Kremlin “ is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate ” Biden and what it called “ an anti-Russia ‘ establishment.
’ ” The report listed Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach as an example of the sort of “ measures ” being taken to “ denigrate ” Trump ’ s Democratic opponent .
In December of last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rudy Giuliani in Kyiv and handed him a packet of information about the Bidens .
Since then Ukranian parlementarian has spent much of this year releasing what appear to be edited recordings of phone calls between Biden and Ukraine ’ s then-President Petro Poroshenko in 2016 .
But Trump has shown little will to recognize these findings , rebuffing a reporter when challenged further about the issue on Friday .
“ Well , I don ’ t care what anybody says , ” Trump said .
Without actually addressing election interference the President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s made to beef up the military and saying that he has pressured allies to increase financial support to NATO as examples of how he ’ s been “ tougher ” than his predecessors .
But members of Congress have long accused the President of cozying up to the Russian leader .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) , among others , chastised the President in June following reports that Trump had allegedly been briefed on an intelligence finding that Russian operatives had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militias in Afghanistan to kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , all roads lead to Putin , ” Pelosi said in June referring to Trump ’ s relationship with the Russian leader , adding , “ I don ’ t know what the Russians have on the president , politically , personally , or financially.
” In an Axios interview that aired on Monday , Trump said that he has “ never ” discussed the Russian bounty plot in conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin .
He has previously denied allegations that the report was shared with him , even calling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia Hoax.
” In spite of his apparent unwillingness to confront Russia on key national security issues , Trump maintained in Friday ’ s news conference that “ nobody with any common sense ” would be inclined to draw conclusions that Russia would have any vested interest in damaging Biden to boost Trump ’ s own re-election .

President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed a finding from a top U.S. intelligence official that found Russia will “primarily denigrate” Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
“I think the last person Russia wants to see in office is Donald Trump because nobody’s been tougher on Russia than I have — ever,” Trump said during a news conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey on Friday when asked about the intelligence.
Earlier on Friday, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, William Evanina released a report identifying Russia, China and Iran as top foreign threats to the upcoming presidential race.
Evanina’s report fell short of explicitly stating that Moscow wants Trump re-elected for a second term, but noted that the Kremlin “is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate” Biden and what it called “an anti-Russia ‘establishment.’”
The report listed Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach as an example of the sort of “measures” being taken to “denigrate” Trump’s Democratic opponent.
In December of last year, Derkach met with Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani in Kyiv and handed him a packet of information about the Bidens. Since then Ukranian parlementarian has spent much of this year releasing what appear to be edited recordings of phone calls between Biden and Ukraine’s then-President Petro Poroshenko in 2016.
But Trump has shown little will to recognize these findings, rebuffing a reporter when challenged further about the issue on Friday.
“Well, I don’t care what anybody says,” Trump said.
Without actually addressing election interference the President instead diverted attention to efforts he’s made to beef up the military and saying that he has pressured allies to increase financial support to NATO as examples of how he’s been “tougher” than his predecessors.
But members of Congress have long accused the President of cozying up to the Russian leader.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), among others, chastised the President in June following reports that Trump had allegedly been briefed on an intelligence finding that Russian operatives had offered bounties to Taliban-linked militias in Afghanistan to kill U.S. and coalition troops.
“With him, all roads lead to Putin,” Pelosi said in June referring to Trump’s relationship with the Russian leader, adding, “I don’t know what the Russians have on the president, politically, personally, or financially.”
In an Axios interview that aired on Monday, Trump said that he has “never” discussed the Russian bounty plot in conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He has previously denied allegations that the report was shared with him, even calling the intelligence in tweets “possibly another fabricated Russia Hoax.”
In spite of his apparent unwillingness to confront Russia on key national security issues, Trump maintained in Friday’s news conference that “nobody with any common sense” would be inclined to draw conclusions that Russia would have any vested interest in damaging Biden to boost Trump’s own re-election.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-09--4 Ways Pelosi And Schumer Swiftly Ripped Into Trump’s Flurry Of Executive Actions

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) on Sunday wasted no time in criticizing President Trump ’ s flurry of executive actions , issued the day before amid a stalemate between his administration and Congress over a trillion dollar-plus coronavirus relief package .
On Saturday afternoon , the President signed a series of executive actions at his golf club from Bedminster , New Jersey , including a plan that could provide some Americans with a weekly $ 400 unemployment benefit for a limited period of time , the option to defer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student loan payments .
The actions fall far short of the President ’ s own description of what they did at a news conference Saturday , and came after White House negotiators failed to cut a deal with Democrats on coronavirus relief this week .
Both Democrats and some Republicans , such as Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) , have taken Trump ’ s move to bypass Congress to task over the weekend .
Critics of the President ’ s executive actions argue that they are executive overreach , citing how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending .
While Pelosi slammed Trump ’ s executive actions as “ illusions ” during an interview on Fox News Sunday , Schumer told ABC News that the President ’ s orders are “ a big show , but they don ’ t do anything.
” Here ’ s how Pelosi and Schumer took the President ’ s executive actions to task during Sunday morning interviews : During an interview on CNN , Pelosi characterized the President ’ s executive actions as “ absurdly unconstitutional.
” “ Well , the fact is , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or not takes time to figure out , ” Pelosi said , before adding that she agrees with Sasse ’ s assessment that the executive actions are an “ unconstitutional slop.
” However , Pelosi declined to address whether Democrats plan to take legal action against the President ’ s move .
Although Schumer also stopped short of confirming whether there will be a legal challenge against the President ’ s executive actions , saying that he ’ ll “ leave that up to the attorneys , ” the Senate minority leader argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t do the job.
” “ It ’ s not going to go into effect in most places for weeks or months , because it ’ s so put together in a crazy way , ” Schumer said .
“ If he just would have renewed the $ 600 , as we do in the HEROES bill , through January , things would flow smoothly.
” Criticizing Trump for requiring states to cover 25 % of unemployment insurance benefits The House speaker didn ’ t hold back as she took issue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unemployment insurance benefits , which his administration is capping at $ 400 per week — a reduction from the previous benefit of $ 600 a week .
“ What the President put forth was a complicated formula which said that the states should put up 25 percent of the money — states don ’ t have the money to do that , ” Pelosi said , during an interview on Fox News Sunday .
“ They have expenses from the coronavirus .
They have lost revenue from shelter in place and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go out and spend money and inject demand into the economy , as they would normally.
” Pelosi shared similar remarks on CNN on Sunday morning , pointing out that states have been hit hard by the coronavirus and are in some cases facing tremendous budget shortfalls .
“ They are firing health care workers , first responders , teachers , and the rest — sanitation , transportation workers — because they don ’ t have the money , ” Pelosi said on CNN .
During an interview on ABC on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the President for saying that the initial $ 600 weekly unemployment insurance benefit keeps people from working .
“ The evidence shows that ’ s not the case .
That belittles the American people .
Americans want to work , ” Schumer said .
“ But with 10 % , 11 % unemployment , you can ’ t find a job and people shouldn ’ t be given a pay cut.
” Schumer added that requiring states to foot 25 % of unemployment insurance benefit costs is an “ unworkable plan.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it because it ’ s brand new , it ’ s sort of put together with spit and paste , ” Schumer said .
“ And many states , because they have to chip in $ 100 , and they don ’ t have money , won ’ t do it.
” The House Speaker went after Trump ’ s payroll tax suspension , which actually defers the due date for taxes paid by employees through Dec. 31 rather than reducing them .
“ While he says he ’ s going to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s doing is undermining Social Security and Medicare , so these are illusions , ” Pelosi said on Fox News Sunday .
Schumer told ABC News ’ George Stephanopolous that Trump ’ s payroll tax deferral will leave employees with “ a huge bill ” upon expiration .
Schumer then argued that the notion of Trump forgiving costs accrued from his payroll tax deferral if he wins a second term would prove detrimental to government programs millions rely on .
“ If you ’ re a Social Security recipient or Medicare recipient , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is re-elected , ” Schumer said on ABC News .
Arguing that there is no room for more compromises with GOPers amid stalled COVID-19 negotiations The House Speaker hit back at Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace when he asked whether she messed up COVID-19 relief negotiations , given how , in his words , she ’ s a “ master negotiator.
” “ Clearly , you don ’ t have an understanding of what is happening here , ” Pelosi said .
“ Both in the weakness of the President ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give the money , enhanced benefits — but puts a complicated formula there which will take a while , if at all , to accomplish , to put money in the pockets of the American people.
” Pelosi added that although Democrats were willing to meet Republicans “ halfway , ” they refused to do so .
“ Right now we need to come to agreement .
We ’ ve got to meet halfway , ” Pelosi said .
“ We ’ ve got to make do what we can for the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting forth does not meet that standard.
” The Senate minority leader had a similar response when pressed on whether Democrats are willing to compromise on more as they face criticism from Republicans over failed negotiations amid a stalemate over a new coronavirus relief package .
“ We ’ ve compromised a great deal , ” Schumer said , when asked by ABC News ’ George Stephanopolous about how Republicans have rejected Democrats ’ offer of a $ 2 trillion coronavirus relief package , saying that it ’ s a “ budget gimmick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of time the money will be spent and does not cut any programs .

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on Sunday wasted no time in criticizing President Trump’s flurry of executive actions, issued the day before amid a stalemate between his administration and Congress over a trillion dollar-plus coronavirus relief package.
On Saturday afternoon, the President signed a series of executive actions at his golf club from Bedminster, New Jersey, including a plan that could provide some Americans with a weekly $400 unemployment benefit for a limited period of time, the option to defer the federal payroll tax, and deferring student loan payments. The actions fall far short of the President’s own description of what they did at a news conference Saturday, and came after White House negotiators failed to cut a deal with Democrats on coronavirus relief this week.
Both Democrats and some Republicans, such as Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE), have taken Trump’s move to bypass Congress to task over the weekend. Critics of the President’s executive actions argue that they are executive overreach, citing how the Constitution gives Congress the authority to appropriate spending.
While Pelosi slammed Trump’s executive actions as “illusions” during an interview on Fox News Sunday, Schumer told ABC News that the President’s orders are “a big show, but they don’t do anything.”
Here’s how Pelosi and Schumer took the President’s executive actions to task during Sunday morning interviews:
Questioning the legality of Trump’s executive actions
Pelosi
During an interview on CNN, Pelosi characterized the President’s executive actions as “absurdly unconstitutional.”
“Well, the fact is, is that whether they’re legal or not takes time to figure out,” Pelosi said, before adding that she agrees with Sasse’s assessment that the executive actions are an “unconstitutional slop.”
However, Pelosi declined to address whether Democrats plan to take legal action against the President’s move.
Schumer
Although Schumer also stopped short of confirming whether there will be a legal challenge against the President’s executive actions, saying that he’ll “leave that up to the attorneys,” the Senate minority leader argued that Trump’s move “doesn’t do the job.”
“It’s not going to go into effect in most places for weeks or months, because it’s so put together in a crazy way,” Schumer said. “If he just would have renewed the $600, as we do in the HEROES bill, through January, things would flow smoothly.”
Criticizing Trump for requiring states to cover 25% of unemployment insurance benefits
Pelosi
The House speaker didn’t hold back as she took issue with Trump requiring states to cover 25% of unemployment insurance benefits, which his administration is capping at $400 per week — a reduction from the previous benefit of $600 a week.
“What the President put forth was a complicated formula which said that the states should put up 25 percent of the money — states don’t have the money to do that,” Pelosi said, during an interview on Fox News Sunday. “They have expenses from the coronavirus. They have lost revenue from shelter in place and the fact that people are not being able to go out and spend money and inject demand into the economy, as they would normally.”
Pelosi shared similar remarks on CNN on Sunday morning, pointing out that states have been hit hard by the coronavirus and are in some cases facing tremendous budget shortfalls.
“They are firing health care workers, first responders, teachers, and the rest — sanitation, transportation workers — because they don’t have the money,” Pelosi said on CNN.
Schumer
During an interview on ABC on Sunday morning, the Senate minority leader slammed the President for saying that the initial $600 weekly unemployment insurance benefit keeps people from working.
“The evidence shows that’s not the case. That belittles the American people. Americans want to work,” Schumer said. “But with 10%, 11% unemployment, you can’t find a job and people shouldn’t be given a pay cut.”
Schumer added that requiring states to foot 25% of unemployment insurance benefit costs is an “unworkable plan.”
“Most states will take months to implement it because it’s brand new, it’s sort of put together with spit and paste,” Schumer said. “And many states, because they have to chip in $100, and they don’t have money, won’t do it.”
Condemning Trump’s payroll tax deferral
Pelosi
The House Speaker went after Trump’s payroll tax suspension, which actually defers the due date for taxes paid by employees through Dec. 31 rather than reducing them.
“While he says he’s going to do the payroll tax, what he’s doing is undermining Social Security and Medicare, so these are illusions,” Pelosi said on Fox News Sunday.
Schumer
Schumer told ABC News’ George Stephanopolous that Trump’s payroll tax deferral will leave employees with “a huge bill” upon expiration.
Schumer then argued that the notion of Trump forgiving costs accrued from his payroll tax deferral if he wins a second term would prove detrimental to government programs millions rely on.
“If you’re a Social Security recipient or Medicare recipient, you better watch out if President Trump is re-elected,” Schumer said on ABC News.
Arguing that there is no room for more compromises with GOPers amid stalled COVID-19 negotiations
Pelosi
The House Speaker hit back at Fox News Sunday host Chris Wallace when he asked whether she messed up COVID-19 relief negotiations, given how, in his words, she’s a “master negotiator.”
“Clearly, you don’t have an understanding of what is happening here,” Pelosi said. “Both in the weakness of the President’s executive orders — which don’t give the money, enhanced benefits — but puts a complicated formula there which will take a while, if at all, to accomplish, to put money in the pockets of the American people.”
Pelosi added that although Democrats were willing to meet Republicans “halfway,” they refused to do so.
“Right now we need to come to agreement. We’ve got to meet halfway,” Pelosi said. “We’ve got to make do what we can for the American people. But what they’re putting forth does not meet that standard.”
Schumer
The Senate minority leader had a similar response when pressed on whether Democrats are willing to compromise on more as they face criticism from Republicans over failed negotiations amid a stalemate over a new coronavirus relief package.
“We’ve compromised a great deal,” Schumer said, when asked by ABC News’ George Stephanopolous about how Republicans have rejected Democrats’ offer of a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package, saying that it’s a “budget gimmick” due to how it shortens the amount of time the money will be spent and does not cut any programs.
Watch Pelosi and Schumer’s remarks below:
Pelosi
Schumer


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-09--Mnuchin: Dems Have ‘A Lot Of Explaining To Do’ If They Challenge Trump Actions In Court

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin expressed that he has no concerns surrounding the legality of President Trump ’ s executive actions on coronavirus relief during an interview on Fox News Sunday .
On Saturday afternoon , the President signed a flurry of executive actions on coronavirus relief after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on a relief bill .
Democrats and some Republicans , including Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-NE ) , have railed against Trump ’ s move to bypass Congress in issuing executive orders and memoranda that raise a host of new questions for unemployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Critics argue that Trump ’ s executive actions demonstrate executive overreach , arguing that the Constitution gives Congress the authority to appropriate spending .
When asked by Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace about Sasse ’ s comment characterizing Trump ’ s executive actions as “ unconstitutional slop , ” Mnuchin claimed that they were cleared by the Justice Department ’ s Office of Legal Counsel .
“ The President knew unemployment insurance was ending .
He said let ’ s continue at $ 400 , ” Mnuchin said , referring to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 in unemployment benefits — a reduction from its previous run at $ 600 a week — that also asks states to cover 25 % of the cost .
Mnuchin added that states can either take the 25 % out of the money that the federal government had already given or that the President can waive it .
The Treasury secretary then claimed , without specifics , that states have told the administration that “ they can get this up and running immediately.
” Mnuchin went on to warn Democrats against lawsuits challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential legal challenges as an attack against unemployment benefits .
“ And I would say if the Democrats want to challenge us in court and hold up unemployment benefits to those hardworking Americans who are out of a job because of COVID , they ’ re going to have a lot of explaining to do , ” Mnuchin said .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) blasted Trump ’ s executive actions during Sunday morning interviews , but stopped short of committing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s move .
Although Pelosi called the actions “ absurdly unconstitutional ” during an interview on CNN , she declined to say whether Democrats will take legal action against them .
Schumer similarly criticized Trump ’ s executive actions on ABC ’ s “ This Week ” by calling the move weak and ineffective , but that he would “ leave that up to the attorneys ” regarding the legality of the President ’ s move .

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin expressed that he has no concerns surrounding the legality of President Trump’s executive actions on coronavirus relief during an interview on Fox News Sunday.
On Saturday afternoon, the President signed a flurry of executive actions on coronavirus relief after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on a relief bill. Democrats and some Republicans, including Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE), have railed against Trump’s move to bypass Congress in issuing executive orders and memoranda that raise a host of new questions for unemployed Americans and are likely to prompt lawsuits. Critics argue that Trump’s executive actions demonstrate executive overreach, arguing that the Constitution gives Congress the authority to appropriate spending.
When asked by Fox News Sunday anchor Chris Wallace about Sasse’s comment characterizing Trump’s executive actions as “unconstitutional slop,” Mnuchin claimed that they were cleared by the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel.
“The President knew unemployment insurance was ending. He said let’s continue at $400,” Mnuchin said, referring to an executive action providing up to $400 in unemployment benefits — a reduction from its previous run at $600 a week — that also asks states to cover 25% of the cost.
Mnuchin added that states can either take the 25% out of the money that the federal government had already given or that the President can waive it. The Treasury secretary then claimed, without specifics, that states have told the administration that “they can get this up and running immediately.”
Mnuchin went on to warn Democrats against lawsuits challenging Trump’s executive actions, framing potential legal challenges as an attack against unemployment benefits.
“And I would say if the Democrats want to challenge us in court and hold up unemployment benefits to those hardworking Americans who are out of a job because of COVID, they’re going to have a lot of explaining to do,” Mnuchin said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) blasted Trump’s executive actions during Sunday morning interviews, but stopped short of committing to a legal challenge against the President’s move.
Although Pelosi called the actions “absurdly unconstitutional” during an interview on CNN, she declined to say whether Democrats will take legal action against them.
Schumer similarly criticized Trump’s executive actions on ABC’s “This Week” by calling the move weak and ineffective, but that he would “leave that up to the attorneys” regarding the legality of the President’s move.
Watch Mnuchin’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-09--O’Brien Claims ‘Almost Nothing’ Left On Russia Sanctions Despite DNI’s Dire Warning

National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien on Sunday dismissed the notion of imposing additional sanctions against Russia even after the DNI warned for the first time that the country detailed a campaign to “ denigrate ” former Vice President Joe Biden in the November election .
On Friday , counterintelligence chief William Evanina issued a statement warning that the Kremlin “ is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate ” both Biden and “ an anti-Russia ‘ establishment.
’ ” Evanina also warned that China “ prefers ” for Trump to lose re-election to Biden .
Two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a similar statement warning of interference by Russia , China and Iran in the November elections .
Last week , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) reportedly criticized Evanina over the statement , arguing that he withheld key information regarding foreign meddling campaigns in the 2020 elections , including Russian efforts that support President Trump ’ s re-election .
When pressed during an interview on CBS on Sunday morning about whether Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin late last month to “ knock this off , ” O ’ Brien first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration has repeatedly told Russia not to get involved in the election .
Pressed again on whether Trump said that to Putin during their call last month , O ’ Brien insisted that he does not get into conversations that the President has with foreign heads of state because “ those are private conversations.
” CBS ’ Margaret Brennan continued pressing O ’ Brien on the matter , however , and O ’ Brien eventually claimed that “ there ’ s almost nothing we can sanction left of the Russians.
” O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already “ sanctioned the heck out of Russians ” before reiterating his claim that the President continues to tell Russia , China and Iran to not get involved in U.S. elections .

National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien on Sunday dismissed the notion of imposing additional sanctions against Russia even after the DNI warned for the first time that the country detailed a campaign to “denigrate” former Vice President Joe Biden in the November election.
On Friday, counterintelligence chief William Evanina issued a statement warning that the Kremlin “is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate” both Biden and “an anti-Russia ‘establishment.’” Evanina also warned that China “prefers” for Trump to lose re-election to Biden.
Two weeks before his latest announcement, Evanina released a similar statement warning of interference by Russia, China and Iran in the November elections. Last week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reportedly criticized Evanina over the statement, arguing that he withheld key information regarding foreign meddling campaigns in the 2020 elections, including Russian efforts that support President Trump’s re-election.
When pressed during an interview on CBS on Sunday morning about whether Trump spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin late last month to “knock this off,” O’Brien first dodged by saying that Trump and his administration has repeatedly told Russia not to get involved in the election.
Pressed again on whether Trump said that to Putin during their call last month, O’Brien insisted that he does not get into conversations that the President has with foreign heads of state because “those are private conversations.”
CBS’ Margaret Brennan continued pressing O’Brien on the matter, however, and O’Brien eventually claimed that “there’s almost nothing we can sanction left of the Russians.”
O’Brien then touted that the Trump administration had already “sanctioned the heck out of Russians” before reiterating his claim that the President continues to tell Russia, China and Iran to not get involved in U.S. elections.
Watch O’Brien’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-09--Navarro Defends Trump Sidelining Relief Talks: ‘The Lord And Founding Fathers Created EOs’

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Sunday combatively defended President Trump over his move to sign a flurry of coronavirus relief executive actions at his golf club in Bedminister , New Jersey .
On Saturday afternoon , the President signed an executive order and three memoranda on coronavirus relief after negotiations on a new coronavirus relief bill between the White House and Democrats failed .
Trump ’ s executive actions could potentially face legal challenges , given how the President issued the executive actions at the expense of taxpayer dollars without prior approval from Congress .
Prior to signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely punted his administration ’ s negotiations with congressional leaders to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin .
After saying that he ’ s “ confident ” that Trump ’ s executive actions “ will stand up ” in court during an interview on MSNBC ’ s “ Meet the Press ” on Sunday morning , Navarro was pressed on why Trump stayed at his golf club all weekend as relief negotiations fell apart and generally sat on the sidelines during talks .
Navarro pushed back by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President in history ” and that “ he works 24/7 ” before launching into a tirade against Capitol Hill .
“ The problem here is Capitol Hill , ‘ the swamp , ' ” Navarro said .
“ The two houses that are too far apart.
” Navarro then threw in a baffling defense of Trump ’ s executive actions .
“ The Lord and the Founding Fathers created executive orders because of partisan bickering and divided government , ” Navarro said .
“ That ’ s what we have here , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that the President ’ s constituency is mainstream Republicans , blue collar Democrats and independents “ who are sick and tired of the swamp ” before arguing that Trump “ could have just let this keep going , and he did not .
”

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Sunday combatively defended President Trump over his move to sign a flurry of coronavirus relief executive actions at his golf club in Bedminister, New Jersey.
On Saturday afternoon, the President signed an executive order and three memoranda on coronavirus relief after negotiations on a new coronavirus relief bill between the White House and Democrats failed. Trump’s executive actions could potentially face legal challenges, given how the President issued the executive actions at the expense of taxpayer dollars without prior approval from Congress.
Prior to signing the executive actions, the President had largely punted his administration’s negotiations with congressional leaders to White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
After saying that he’s “confident” that Trump’s executive actions “will stand up” in court during an interview on MSNBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday morning, Navarro was pressed on why Trump stayed at his golf club all weekend as relief negotiations fell apart and generally sat on the sidelines during talks.
Navarro pushed back by touting that Trump is “the hardest-working President in history” and that “he works 24/7” before launching into a tirade against Capitol Hill.
“The problem here is Capitol Hill, ‘the swamp,'” Navarro said. “The two houses that are too far apart.”
Navarro then threw in a baffling defense of Trump’s executive actions.
“The Lord and the Founding Fathers created executive orders because of partisan bickering and divided government,” Navarro said. “That’s what we have here, but the President has taken action.”
Navarro added that the President’s constituency is mainstream Republicans, blue collar Democrats and independents “who are sick and tired of the swamp” before arguing that Trump “could have just let this keep going, and he did not.”
Watch Navarro’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-09--Kudlow Walks Back Past Remarks After Trump’s Executive Orders: ‘I’m Not The Lawyer’

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Sunday attempted to defend President Trump ’ s flurry of executive orders signed the day before , despite arguing recently that only Congress had the authority to address unemployment insurance benefits .
On Saturday afternoon , the President signed four executive orders on coronavirus relief Saturday , which included providing up to $ 400 in unemployment benefits , after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on a relief bill .
However , Trump ’ s memorandum of unemployment insurance benefits asks states to cover 25 % of the cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 a week .
When pressed by CNN ’ s Dana Bush on Sunday morning about his remark on Fox Business this week , arguing that the unemployment issue could only be fixed and extended by an act of Congress , Kudlow declined to say whether the President ’ s executive orders were legal and tried to walk back his previous remark .
“ Well , I ’ m not the lawyer , and I probably spoke out of turn there because I worked all week with our counsel ’ s office and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the Stafford Emergency Act and that we could repurpose funds to do that , ” Kudlow said .
“ So I probably shouldn ’ t have said that.
” Kudlow said that he initially thought that the White House could reach a deal with congressional Democrats , before arguing that the President was “ right ” to bypass Congress by issuing executive orders regarding how taxpayer dollars are spent .
“ So the President decided to take action on his own .
Of course , I think he was right to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When the lawyers gave me a green light , then , sure , no problem.
” Kudlow then added that Trump has said that his administration will use every power the federal government has to help with coronavirus relief , before Bash pressed him again on whether the President overstepped his power .
Kudlow acknowledged that a debate will most likely ensue before reiterating that he ’ s “ not the lawyer.
” “ I can ’ t give you the final word , but ( White House counsel ) Pat Cipollone has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Kudlow said .
“ And he believes we can do it and we are going to absolutely do it .
”

White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow on Sunday attempted to defend President Trump’s flurry of executive orders signed the day before, despite arguing recently that only Congress had the authority to address unemployment insurance benefits.
On Saturday afternoon, the President signed four executive orders on coronavirus relief Saturday, which included providing up to $400 in unemployment benefits, after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on a relief bill. However, Trump’s memorandum of unemployment insurance benefits asks states to cover 25% of the cost. Unemployment benefits previously ran at $600 a week.
When pressed by CNN’s Dana Bush on Sunday morning about his remark on Fox Business this week, arguing that the unemployment issue could only be fixed and extended by an act of Congress, Kudlow declined to say whether the President’s executive orders were legal and tried to walk back his previous remark.
“Well, I’m not the lawyer, and I probably spoke out of turn there because I worked all week with our counsel’s office and they proved to me that we could use the Stafford Emergency Act and that we could repurpose funds to do that,” Kudlow said. “So I probably shouldn’t have said that.”
Kudlow said that he initially thought that the White House could reach a deal with congressional Democrats, before arguing that the President was “right” to bypass Congress by issuing executive orders regarding how taxpayer dollars are spent.
“So the President decided to take action on his own. Of course, I think he was right to do so,” Kudlow said. “When the lawyers gave me a green light, then, sure, no problem.”
Kudlow then added that Trump has said that his administration will use every power the federal government has to help with coronavirus relief, before Bash pressed him again on whether the President overstepped his power.
Kudlow acknowledged that a debate will most likely ensue before reiterating that he’s “not the lawyer.”
“I can’t give you the final word, but (White House counsel) Pat Cipollone has gone through it with a fine-toothed comb,” Kudlow said. “And he believes we can do it and we are going to absolutely do it.”
Watch Kudlow’s remarks below:


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-08--Trump Signs Flurry Of Executive Actions With Lowered Weekly Unemployment Benefit

President Donald Trump signed a series of executive actions Saturday afternoon , a move he telegraphed from a Friday press conference from his golf club in Bedminster , New Jersey .
The actions , Trump said Saturday , centered on reinstating unemployment insurance benefits ( though at a lower level ) , deferring the federal payroll tax , extending the eviction moratorium and deferring student loan payments and forgiving interest .
Many of the actions are likely to prompt lawsuits .
“ If we get sued , it ’ s somebody who doesn ’ t want people to get money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wandered into various campaign issues for the first minutes of his speech , he promised that the coming actions would “ take care of pretty much this entire situation.
” Trump said that he ’ d extend unemployment insurance benefits at a level of $ 400 per week , 75 percent of which will be covered by the federal government and 25 percent of which will be covered by the states .
Before its expiration , the benefit ran at $ 600 a week .
The executive action would take money from states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Department of Homeland Security ’ s Disaster Relief Fund .
The White House has previously indicated its belief that it can use a not-yet-spent $ 81 billion from the CARES Act , as well as direct the Labor Department to loan states money to help bolster the benefit .
The CARES Act doesn ’ t explicitly ban Trump from using the aid for unemployment benefits , but will prompt anger — if not a lawsuit — from Congress over executive overreach into its power of the purse .
The action raises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , including how long the new program would take to get underway .
On the payroll tax deferment , Trump said that it would last the rest of 2020 for people making less than $ 100,000 a year , and that the tax would be permanently eliminated if he wins in November .
He had previously expressed his interest in deferring the payroll tax payments , though the idea was unpopular with members of both parties who worried that the lack of payment would seriously harm the funding of Medicare and Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said that he will direct the Department of Housing and Urban Development to , along with the moratorium , provide financial assistance to renters and landlords , though he did not provide specifics .
The action does not actually prevent evictions and provides little more than suggestions to HUD on how to help renters avoid evictions under current law : “ Such action may include encouraging and providing assistance to public housing authorities , affordable housing owners , landlords , and recipients of Federal grant funds in minimizing evictions and foreclosures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With the student loan deferment action , Trump said that the administration would be “ extending this policy through the end of the year and further than that most likely.
” He also said that he was “ looking at ” income and capital gains tax cuts , the former mainly for “ middle income and lower income people.
” Trump had pledged to act Friday “ if Democrats continue to hold this critical relief hostage ” after his negotiators , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Leader Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-NY ) .
He specifically cited all of the actions he ultimately signed Saturday .
He made that announcement from Bedminster as well , to a crowd of initially maskless collared-shirt wearing country club members .
The event turned into a pseudo campaign rally , with Trump calling it a “ peaceful protest ” after club members starting heckling a reporter who pointed out their lack of social distancing .
Democrats actually addressed almost everything Trump targeted in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HEROES Act the House passed in May , but Senate Republicans rejected the plan ’ s expansive nature and over $ 3 trillion price tag .
Only coming to the negotiating table days before the unemployment insurance benefit expired , Republicans failed to muster the votes to coalesce behind counter-legislation , leaving the four lead negotiators in a series of meetings to try to find a mutually acceptable solution .
None had been reached as Mnuchin and Meadows left an unproductive one-hour meeting with Pelosi and Schumer Friday , telling reporters that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the actions .
Trump had already decamped to Bedminster at the time .
Pelosi did not commit to challenging the actions in court earlier on Friday , telling reporters that she ’ ll “ let them know ” her next moves if and when Trump signs them .
She said earlier in the week that she doesn ’ t think the President ’ s team “ knows what they ’ re doing ” and dismissed the actions as wholly insufficient to address the current crisis .
She actually goaded him to sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but said that it ’ ll do little good without accompanying rental assistance .
The four lead negotiators had been going back and forth for days with little to show for it .
On Friday , Schumer said that the Democrats offered to take the topline of their relief package down $ 1 trillion if Republicans would offer $ 1 trillion more in their proposals .
He added that the compromise was met with “ vehemence ” by the White House negotiators .
The two sides are also still far apart on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit which expired last Friday and aid to schools , as well as to state and local governments .
The past week saw small concessions on both sides , but significant disagreement on even what form the relief should take .
Democrats are advocating for expansive relief in the form of the HEROES Act .
Republicans have been unable to unify behind any plan , but one floated proposal rang in at a more modest $ 1 trillion and omitted Democratic priorities like state funding and election aid .
Part of the difficulty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deep divisions within the Republican caucus .
Moderate Republicans , and especially those who are up for reelection , have been more eager to reach a deal and to report coming aid to their constituents .
At least 20 Republican senators though , by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s ( R-KY ) count , won ’ t support any more federal aid being spent at all .
Democrats , on the other hand , have stood largely firm behind the HEROES Act .
Trump , though not directly involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unilateral action for days , and has been in frequent touch with his negotiators .
“ The American public want action .
So , again , we ’ re not going to just keep on coming back every day if we can ’ t get to a deal .
We ’ ve said by the end of the week , we wanted to reach an agreement on the major issues , ” Mnuchin said Thursday .
“ The president wants us to get a deal or he wants to move on and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-10--After Viral Photo Of Crowded Hallways, Georgia School Shifts To Online Classes

DALLAS , Ga. — A Georgia high school plans to start the week with all classes shifting online after nine students and staff tested positive for the coronavirus when the school year opened last week with most students attending in-person .
North Paulding High School made headlines soon after students returned to school Aug. 3 when photos posted on social media showed hallways crowded with students , and many of them not wearing masks .
The school ’ s principal notified parents Saturday that six students and three staff members had tested positive for the virus , though it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school .
Now students will take online classes Monday and Tuesday , Paulding County Schools Superintendent Brian Ott said in a letter to parents Sunday .
He said those two days will be used to clean and disinfect the school , and parents will learn Tuesday evening if in-person classes can resume later in the week .
“ Hopefully we can all agree that the health and safety of our students and staff takes precedence over any other considerations at this time , ” Ott said in his letter , which was obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools spokesman Jay Dillon did not immediately return phone and text messages Sunday evening from The Associated Press .

DALLAS, Ga. — A Georgia high school plans to start the week with all classes shifting online after nine students and staff tested positive for the coronavirus when the school year opened last week with most students attending in-person.
North Paulding High School made headlines soon after students returned to school Aug. 3 when photos posted on social media showed hallways crowded with students, and many of them not wearing masks. The school’s principal notified parents Saturday that six students and three staff members had tested positive for the virus, though it’s unknown if any were infected at school.
Ugh, what a preventable mess— The Paulding County high school that became infamous for hallways crowded with unmasked students… now reports 6 students and 3 staffers in the school now with #COVID19 after a week of classes. WHY WHY WHY? so predictable.https://t.co/XHk7LFcv94 — Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) August 9, 2020
Now students will take online classes Monday and Tuesday, Paulding County Schools Superintendent Brian Ott said in a letter to parents Sunday. He said those two days will be used to clean and disinfect the school, and parents will learn Tuesday evening if in-person classes can resume later in the week.
“Hopefully we can all agree that the health and safety of our students and staff takes precedence over any other considerations at this time,” Ott said in his letter, which was obtained by Atlanta-area news outlets.
Paulding County schools spokesman Jay Dillon did not immediately return phone and text messages Sunday evening from The Associated Press.


talkingpointsmemo--2020-08-10--Democrats Point To Trump Executive Actions As Pre-Election-Day Ploy

BRIDGEWATER , N.J. ( AP ) — President Donald Trump ’ s end run around Congress on coronavirus relief is raising questions about whether it would give Americans the economic lifeline he claims and appears certain to face legal challenges .
Democrats called it a pre-election ploy that would burden cash-strapped states .
“ When you look at those executive orders … the kindest thing I could say is he doesn ’ t know what he ’ s talking about or something ’ s wrong there , ” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said .
“ To characterize them as even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as something that will take the place of an agreement , is just not so.
” After negotiations with lawmakers on the next package of pandemic economic assistance hit a wall , Trump used what he said were the inherent powers of the presidency to forge ahead on tax and spending policy that Congress says it is granted by the Constitution .
Trump asserted he had the authority to defer payroll taxes and extend an expired unemployment benefit , although at a lower amount than what the jobless had been getting during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the pandemic , the Republican president contended his orders “ will take care of pretty much this entire situation , as we know it.
” But the orders appeared to carry less weight than Trump promoted and cut federal relief spending by shifting more onto the shoulders of struggling states .
Critics said the actions crossed a legal line and fell well short of what is needed to help right the fragile economy .
“ Paltry , ” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York , given the scope of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certain to further strain relations with Congress , the moves were framed by the White House as the president breaking through the Washington gridlock in order to directly distribute aid .
Advisers hope it will sustain an economic recovery that Trump likely needs to defeat Democrat Joe Biden in November .
With an eye on reversing his slide in the polls , Trump took full credit for the measures , which he signed at his New Jersey golf club on Saturday after congressional talks broke down this past week .
Democrats initially sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they lowered their demand to $ 2 trillion .
Republicans had proposed a $ 1 trillion plan .
Trump accused Democrats of trying to spend more than was needed and adding money for priorities unrelated to the pandemic .
He said local aid amounted to “ bailout money ” for states and cities “ badly run by Democrats for many years .
… And we ’ re not willing to do that.
” The president wants to continue paying a supplemental federal unemployment benefit for millions of Americans put out of work during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for up to $ 400 payments each week , compared with the $ 600 that people had been receiving .
Trump said states would cover 25 % of this money even as many are dealing with major budget shortfalls .
As state officials questioned whether they could afford $ 100 per person per week , Trump offered a new angle to the plan .
Speaking to reporters Sunday night as he returned to Washington , he said states could make application to have the federal government provide all or part of the $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be made on a state-by-state basis .
Trump said earlier that the federal contribution would be redirected from disaster relief money at the Federal Emergency Management Agency — dollars not likely to last more than two months .
Shifting FEMA disaster funds also would occur as the peak of hurricane season looms and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of an “ extremely active ” season already underway .
Trump ’ s top economic adviser , Larry Kudlow , struggled during a television interview Sunday morning to clearly explain the specifics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the $ 100 share from states would come from from an earlier pool of federal money and that Trump may waive the requirement about how it can be used .
“ Look , that would cost us about $ 500 million between now and the end of the year , ” said Connecticut Gov .
Ned Lamont , a Democrat .
“ I could take that money from testing .
I don ’ t think that ’ s a great idea .
I could take that money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our schools .
I don ’ t think that ’ s a great idea .
In fact , I think the president ’ s plan is not a great idea.
” Pelosi , D-Calif. , criticized Trump for not doing anything to help schools trying to reopen and she said the orders were “ unconstitutional slop.
” Trump also acted to defer payment of the payroll tax , a long-pushed goal that had little support from either party on Capitol Hill , and federal student loans .
His order on housing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he claimed , but instead directs the departments of the Treasury and Housing and Urban Development to identify money that could help those struggling to pay their monthly rent .
Trump said the employee portion of the payroll tax would be deferred from Aug. 1 through the end of the year , and he raised the possibility of making it permanent , though experts said he lacked that authority .
The temporary deferral would not directly aid unemployed workers , who do not pay the tax when they are jobless .
Employees would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without an act of Congress .
The president was silent on Saturday on how he would fund Medicare and Social Security benefits that the 7 % tax on employee income covers .
Democrats seized on the possible threat to Social Security as a signal that Trump wanted to cut the social safety net .
On Sunday night , in the wake of that criticism , Trump told reporters the money would not come from Social Security but from the Treasury if the government didn ’ t require workers to repay the taxes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If the Democrats want to challenge us in court and hold up unemployment benefits to those hardworking Americans who are out of a job because of COVID , they ’ re going to have a lot of explaining to do , ” Mnuchin said .
Both the White House and congressional Democrats indicated Sunday they wanted to resume negotiations , but no talks were scheduled .
The breakdown comes with the Nov. 3 election approaching and the White House nervously watching signs that the economic recovery is slowing down as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential leadership , ” Biden said .
“ These orders are not real solutions .
They are just another cynical ploy designed to deflect responsibility .
Some measures do far more harm than good.
” Pelosi and Mnuchin were on “ Fox News Sunday , ” Schumer was on ABC ’ s “ This Week ” and Lamont was on CBS ’ “ Face the Nation .
”

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s end run around Congress on coronavirus relief is raising questions about whether it would give Americans the economic lifeline he claims and appears certain to face legal challenges. Democrats called it a pre-election ploy that would burden cash-strapped states.
“When you look at those executive orders … the kindest thing I could say is he doesn’t know what he’s talking about or something’s wrong there,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “To characterize them as even accomplishing what they set out to do, as something that will take the place of an agreement, is just not so.”
After negotiations with lawmakers on the next package of pandemic economic assistance hit a wall, Trump used what he said were the inherent powers of the presidency to forge ahead on tax and spending policy that Congress says it is granted by the Constitution.
Trump asserted he had the authority to defer payroll taxes and extend an expired unemployment benefit, although at a lower amount than what the jobless had been getting during the crisis. His reelection chances imperiled by the pandemic, the Republican president contended his orders “will take care of pretty much this entire situation, as we know it.”
But the orders appeared to carry less weight than Trump promoted and cut federal relief spending by shifting more onto the shoulders of struggling states. Critics said the actions crossed a legal line and fell well short of what is needed to help right the fragile economy.
“Paltry,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York, given the scope of the economic and health crises.
Though certain to further strain relations with Congress, the moves were framed by the White House as the president breaking through the Washington gridlock in order to directly distribute aid. Advisers hope it will sustain an economic recovery that Trump likely needs to defeat Democrat Joe Biden in November.
With an eye on reversing his slide in the polls, Trump took full credit for the measures, which he signed at his New Jersey golf club on Saturday after congressional talks broke down this past week. Democrats initially sought a $3.4 trillion package but said they lowered their demand to $2 trillion. Republicans had proposed a $1 trillion plan.
Trump accused Democrats of trying to spend more than was needed and adding money for priorities unrelated to the pandemic. He said local aid amounted to “bailout money” for states and cities “badly run by Democrats for many years. … And we’re not willing to do that.”
The president wants to continue paying a supplemental federal unemployment benefit for millions of Americans put out of work during the outbreak. But his order called for up to $400 payments each week, compared with the $600 that people had been receiving. Trump said states would cover 25% of this money even as many are dealing with major budget shortfalls.
As state officials questioned whether they could afford $100 per person per week, Trump offered a new angle to the plan. Speaking to reporters Sunday night as he returned to Washington, he said states could make application to have the federal government provide all or part of the $400 payments. He said decisions would be made on a state-by-state basis.
Trump said earlier that the federal contribution would be redirected from disaster relief money at the Federal Emergency Management Agency — dollars not likely to last more than two months. Shifting FEMA disaster funds also would occur as the peak of hurricane season looms and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns of an “extremely active” season already underway.
Trump’s top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, struggled during a television interview Sunday morning to clearly explain the specifics of his boss’ order on unemployment aid. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the $100 share from states would come from from an earlier pool of federal money and that Trump may waive the requirement about how it can be used.
“Look, that would cost us about $500 million between now and the end of the year,” said Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, a Democrat. “I could take that money from testing. I don’t think that’s a great idea. I could take that money from, you know, mass disinfecting for our schools. I don’t think that’s a great idea. In fact, I think the president’s plan is not a great idea.”
Pelosi, D-Calif., criticized Trump for not doing anything to help schools trying to reopen and she said the orders were “unconstitutional slop.”
Trump also acted to defer payment of the payroll tax, a long-pushed goal that had little support from either party on Capitol Hill, and federal student loans. His order on housing is not a guarantee against eviction, as he claimed, but instead directs the departments of the Treasury and Housing and Urban Development to identify money that could help those struggling to pay their monthly rent.
Trump said the employee portion of the payroll tax would be deferred from Aug. 1 through the end of the year, and he raised the possibility of making it permanent, though experts said he lacked that authority. The temporary deferral would not directly aid unemployed workers, who do not pay the tax when they are jobless. Employees would need to repay the federal government eventually without an act of Congress.
The president was silent on Saturday on how he would fund Medicare and Social Security benefits that the 7% tax on employee income covers. Democrats seized on the possible threat to Social Security as a signal that Trump wanted to cut the social safety net.
On Sunday night, in the wake of that criticism, Trump told reporters the money would not come from Social Security but from the Treasury if the government didn’t require workers to repay the taxes. Again, that would require congressional action.
“If the Democrats want to challenge us in court and hold up unemployment benefits to those hardworking Americans who are out of a job because of COVID, they’re going to have a lot of explaining to do,” Mnuchin said.
Both the White House and congressional Democrats indicated Sunday they wanted to resume negotiations, but no talks were scheduled.
The breakdown comes with the Nov. 3 election approaching and the White House nervously watching signs that the economic recovery is slowing down as the coronavirus surges.
“This is not presidential leadership,” Biden said. “These orders are not real solutions. They are just another cynical ploy designed to deflect responsibility. Some measures do far more harm than good.”
Pelosi and Mnuchin were on “Fox News Sunday,” Schumer was on ABC’s “This Week” and Lamont was on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”