Donald Trump on Friday at his Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. On Saturday he announced the decree on Corona aid there
Photo: JOSHUA ROBERTS / REUTERSUS President Donald Trump has ordered further corona aid by decree. They affect employees, the unemployed, tenants and students.
Perhaps the most critical measure will be an additional $ 400 a week unemployment benefit. The decree also includes wage tax cuts for citizens with an annual income of less than $ 100,000. In addition, protection against dismissal for tenants. Debt students should also be helped. The states are to bear the costs for the measures.
Trump also now wants to check whether income and capital gains taxes can be reduced.
The signing of the decrees was broadcast live on television. Trump accused the Democrats of blocking sensible proposals in Congress. "It's enough for us," he said. If the Democrats refused to support, he would use his authority as president to provide the necessary assistance.
Previously, Democrats and Republicans in Congress had not been able to agree on new aid. On Friday, after two weeks, the negotiations between the presidential office and the Democrats remained without a breakthrough. In the meantime, some Corona aid programs have expired, including a special federal unemployment benefit of $ 600 per week.
For a law, Democrats and Republicans would have to agree on a joint bill in Congress. Most recently, however, there was a gap of two trillion dollars between the ideas of the presidential office and the Democrats.
Trump's decree is legally controversial
It remained unclear whether the president even had the right to use funds in this way. Under the US Constitution, Congress has jurisdiction over taxes and public finances. MEPs from both parties have spoken out in advance against a lower wage tax, which Trump has repeatedly called for.
Icon: The mirrorbah / Reuters / AP
