Trump Claims To Want More Stimulus Funding Than Democrats After Pushing For Less

Topline

In another contradictory message on stimulus spending, President Trump claimed Friday that he wants a bigger package than Democrats after his administration has pushed for hundreds of billions less in spending.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“Two sources close to Senate leadership said President Trump is desperate, has zero leverage to push them to support a bill crafted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and congressional Republicans aren’t inclined to wrap themselves any tighter to a sinking ship,” reported Axios’ Jonathan Swan.

Chief Critic

Democratic candidate Joe Biden reacted furiously to Trump calling off stimulus talks on Wednesday, claiming he “never even really tried to get a deal” and “never stepped up to lead” after the passage of the CARES Act in May. Biden said that, unlike Trump, he would “bring Republicans and Democrats together in the Oval Office, on the phone or by zoom” to get a deal.

What To Watch For

Senior White House officials plan to work through the weekend and even into next weekend to strike a deal, Politico reported. But the Senate may not be willing to play ball. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Friday that while “we do need another rescue package,” the closeness of the election and the divergent positions of the parties make it “unlikely” a deal will be passed in the next three weeks, instead saying the Senate would focus on confirming Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

Big Number

74%. That’s the share of voters who believe the Senate should focus on passing another stimulus package according to a Hill/HarrisX poll released Tuesday. Just 26% said their first priority should be the Supreme Court.