President Trump signed four executive orders on Saturday aimed toward Americans struggling with the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic while accusing Democrats of stonewalling greater aid efforts.
The executive orders defer payroll taxes through the end of the year for Americans earning less than $100,000 a year.
They also extend enhanced unemployment benefits that expired last week but at a reduced level of $400 instead of the prior $600. The executive orders will defer student loan payments through the end of the year and continue eviction moratoriums.
“If I’m victorious on November 3rd, I plan to forgive these taxes and make permanent cuts to the payroll tax,” Trump said. “Joe Biden and the Democrats may not want that, they don’t want that.”
Senator McConnell issued a statement in support of the president’s actions while criticizing Democrat leaders in Washington for “sabotaging” negotiations with “absurd demands.”
The president signed the orders during his visit to Bedminster, NJ., where he spoke about the work his administration has been doing to help Americans during the pandemic.