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Donald Trump’s presidency may be ending, but the president has never been less surprising. In an unexpected position, even for some of his closest advisers, the still leader of the world’s largest economy asked Congress to significantly increase the amounts to be paid to Americans, after calling the bipartisan agreement that was presented a “shame” earlier this week.
After months of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, Trump surprised everyone and everything by calling for an increase in payments made directly to American citizens. The package agreed in Congress provides for the payment of $ 600 (491.4 euros) at the individual level and a federal unemployment benefit of $ 300 (245.7 euros) per week.
Trump, in a video posted on his Twitter account on Tuesday night, urged US politicians to approve payments of more than triple what is now presented, that is, $ 2,000 (1,638.1 euros). This attitude surprised most of his closest advisers, who believed that the president had dropped this requirement last week and was preparing to sign legislation proposed by Congress.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was particularly surprised, who represented the White House in the negotiations. The Trump administration representative had supported the solution now presented and the specific issue of direct payments, reflecting calls by Republicans for less support than suggested by Democrats. The White House had guaranteed Sunday that the president would sign the legislation.
On the other hand, the leaders of the Democratic Party were quick to support Trump’s intentions, emphasizing that they coincide with the will they have been expressing in recent months, which has run into Republican budget concerns.
Thus, it is expected that the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives will try to approve a package that includes these values, although it is not known if the Senate, whose control is Republican, will pass.
Although this stimulus package has been approved by Congress with majorities that prevent a presidential veto, Trump will be able to play with funds from the federal government to try to pressure legislators to review the economic support measures.
Given the pandemic and the need to target support for American citizens, in addition to dealing with the cyberattack that the country suffered last week, an eventual shutdown of the central government could have very damaging effects on the daily lives of millions of Americans. Current federal funding will expire on December 28, next Monday. The House of Representatives has already marked its return to activity that day if Trump forces the government shutdown.
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