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Trump reportedly seeking $850bn stimulus package amid coronavirus – live updates Trump reportedly seeking $850bn stimulus package amid coronavirus – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Package would mostly be devoted to flooding the economy with cash, according to unnamed officials, and would aid airline industryPackage would mostly be devoted to flooding the economy with cash, according to unnamed officials, and would aid airline industry
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is on his way now to discuss with the Senate a huge economic stimulus package, to try to ease the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the US economy.
Donald Trump wants large numbers. Big. Have you noticed he’s stopped saying “bigly”?
“We are going to do everything to make sure Americans have access to their money, in banks, in 401Ks [pensions] and in stocks. We are keeping the markets open,” treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin just said.
The New York stock exchange closed for a short period after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, mainly because the hijacked planes that hit the World Trade Center in New York, bringing the edifice down, occurred just yards from Wall Street and the area was thick with toxic debris, smoke and dust from what became known as Ground Zero.
Mnuchin said that the most the government is contemplating at this point is possibly shortening trading hours, not shutting the markets.
For the Guardian’s dedicated business blog, click here.
That’s what Treasure Secretary Steve Mnuchin just said at the podium at the White House coronavirus task force press briefing.
The extensive shut down of travel, both related to travel bans from between Europe and the US and Americans choosing not to travel during the crisis, has hit the aviation industry like an avalanche.
There’s talk of a $50 billion to $60 billion bailout for the US industry being under discussion.
Mnuchin will step out of the White House briefing in a few moments to talk to Senators about a huge stimulus package for the US economy. He hasn’t put back the deadline for American’s income tax returns - April 15.
However, as my colleague David Smith reports from the briefing:
Vice president Mike Pence is asking US construction companies to donate face masks to hospitals during the coronavirus crisis.
Pence is urging Americans to follow the government guidelines issued yesterday. Says if everyone follows them the US will see a “substantial reduction in the spread of the virus.”
The president just told the public he hopes to be standing up at some point and declaring “we won” against the coronavirus spread in the US.The president just told the public he hopes to be standing up at some point and declaring “we won” against the coronavirus spread in the US.
However, less inanely, he did say his conversation with New York governor Andrew Cuomo this morning was “constructive”.However, less inanely, he did say his conversation with New York governor Andrew Cuomo this morning was “constructive”.
The Guardian’s David Smith is at the briefing at the White House.The Guardian’s David Smith is at the briefing at the White House.
The president is at the podium, urging Americans to work from home and avoid non-essential travel, after yesterday recommending no gatherings of 10 people or more.The president is at the podium, urging Americans to work from home and avoid non-essential travel, after yesterday recommending no gatherings of 10 people or more.
“By making necessary sacrifices we can protect our people and protect our economy,” he said.“By making necessary sacrifices we can protect our people and protect our economy,” he said.
Latest from Maryland:Latest from Maryland:
Voting underway in the Florida Democratic primary. This could be the primary that delivers enough delegates to moderate candidate Joe Biden, if he wins decisively, to push him over the top with the total of pledged party delegates that mean victory or defeat in the nomination race.Voting underway in the Florida Democratic primary. This could be the primary that delivers enough delegates to moderate candidate Joe Biden, if he wins decisively, to push him over the top with the total of pledged party delegates that mean victory or defeat in the nomination race.
This could be left-winger Bernie Sanders’s last gasp in the 2020 primary race.This could be left-winger Bernie Sanders’s last gasp in the 2020 primary race.
Turnout will be closely-watched tonight. Sanders has disappointed throughout this race on that crucial front, compared with Biden’s latish (but crushing) comeback.Turnout will be closely-watched tonight. Sanders has disappointed throughout this race on that crucial front, compared with Biden’s latish (but crushing) comeback.
The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:The Guardian’s Sam Levine reports:
Veronica Richards, a 26-year-old epidemiology PhD student at the University of Florida, believes strongly that people should vote in the 2020 election to help get Donald Trump out of office.Veronica Richards, a 26-year-old epidemiology PhD student at the University of Florida, believes strongly that people should vote in the 2020 election to help get Donald Trump out of office.
She voted early in Florida’s primary election, but amid concerns about coronavirus, she’s struggling with whether to tell other people to go to the polls today.She voted early in Florida’s primary election, but amid concerns about coronavirus, she’s struggling with whether to tell other people to go to the polls today.
“When you think about going to the polls, most of the people who work there are older women who are retired and generally probably wouldn’t be exposed to so many people,” she said.“When you think about going to the polls, most of the people who work there are older women who are retired and generally probably wouldn’t be exposed to so many people,” she said.
“It’s really hard to balance encouraging people to vote and using their voice to possibly make big change and also encouraging people to go into these situations we’ve been telling them for weeks not to go into and putting people at risk.”“It’s really hard to balance encouraging people to vote and using their voice to possibly make big change and also encouraging people to go into these situations we’ve been telling them for weeks not to go into and putting people at risk.”
Richards’ dilemma underscores the difficult decision elections officials across the country are facing as they weigh public health risk against making sure everyone can vote. So far, Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Maryland have all delayed their elections amid coronavirus concerns.Richards’ dilemma underscores the difficult decision elections officials across the country are facing as they weigh public health risk against making sure everyone can vote. So far, Louisiana, Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Maryland have all delayed their elections amid coronavirus concerns.
Ohio postponed today’s primary.Ohio postponed today’s primary.
Here’s another potential conflict. New York state governor Andrew Cuomo reminded people at his press conference earlier that “no city can quarantine itself without state approval”, and Cuomo said he had “no interest whatsoever” in cities in New York quarantining.Here’s another potential conflict. New York state governor Andrew Cuomo reminded people at his press conference earlier that “no city can quarantine itself without state approval”, and Cuomo said he had “no interest whatsoever” in cities in New York quarantining.
On CNN at breakfast time, however, New York City mayor (and 2020 presidential drop-out) Bill de Blasio (who despite being a Democratic is usually more enemies than, even, frenemies with Cuomo) said he was considering a “shelter in place” order for the city. The Big Apple has a population of 8.6 million people across its five boroughs and is already semi-shut down with people working from home and many businesses closed.On CNN at breakfast time, however, New York City mayor (and 2020 presidential drop-out) Bill de Blasio (who despite being a Democratic is usually more enemies than, even, frenemies with Cuomo) said he was considering a “shelter in place” order for the city. The Big Apple has a population of 8.6 million people across its five boroughs and is already semi-shut down with people working from home and many businesses closed.
So we’ll see where this goes. Heads-up, US politics watchers, the next briefing from the White House coronavirus task force is just moments away.So we’ll see where this goes. Heads-up, US politics watchers, the next briefing from the White House coronavirus task force is just moments away.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo spoke to Donald Trump this morning. They’ve been in an unpleasant and scary spat in recent days.New York governor Andrew Cuomo spoke to Donald Trump this morning. They’ve been in an unpleasant and scary spat in recent days.
Cuomo is asking Washington for help.Cuomo is asking Washington for help.
“This is an extraordinary time in the history of our country,” Cuomo said. “One of those moments of true crisis and confusion and chaos. I lived through 9/11 and I remember the fear and panic,” he said, recalling the catastrophic terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001.“This is an extraordinary time in the history of our country,” Cuomo said. “One of those moments of true crisis and confusion and chaos. I lived through 9/11 and I remember the fear and panic,” he said, recalling the catastrophic terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001.
Cuomo said he spoke to the president earlier. He said at the ongoing press conference: “It’s essential that the federal government works with this state and that this state works with the federal government.”Cuomo said he spoke to the president earlier. He said at the ongoing press conference: “It’s essential that the federal government works with this state and that this state works with the federal government.”
He appears to be avoiding political sparring at this time. A dozen people in New York have died of the coronavirus so far. A total of 264 people are in hospital with coronavirus in the state, which Cuomo said is about a 19% hospitalization rate, which is higher than usual for viral illnesses.He appears to be avoiding political sparring at this time. A dozen people in New York have died of the coronavirus so far. A total of 264 people are in hospital with coronavirus in the state, which Cuomo said is about a 19% hospitalization rate, which is higher than usual for viral illnesses.
He said the state government has done many amazing things over the years, performing “somersaults”, but “I’m telling you, this [state] government cannot meet this crisis without the resources and capacity of the federal government. I spoke to the president this morning, and he is ready, willing and able to help. We need your help with hospital capacity.”He said the state government has done many amazing things over the years, performing “somersaults”, but “I’m telling you, this [state] government cannot meet this crisis without the resources and capacity of the federal government. I spoke to the president this morning, and he is ready, willing and able to help. We need your help with hospital capacity.”
Cuomo likened the disruption now hitting Americans as like the country being a snow globe that has been turned upside down, as if something “picked up our country and shook it and it’s chaotic and the things are falling all over the place,” he said, which may be both comforting and alarming for members of the public to hear this hour.Cuomo likened the disruption now hitting Americans as like the country being a snow globe that has been turned upside down, as if something “picked up our country and shook it and it’s chaotic and the things are falling all over the place,” he said, which may be both comforting and alarming for members of the public to hear this hour.
New York governor Andrew Cuomo just said there would be no fresh regulations imposed on the state today. He’s holding a press conference now, which is ongoing.New York governor Andrew Cuomo just said there would be no fresh regulations imposed on the state today. He’s holding a press conference now, which is ongoing.
Yesterday, bars and restaurants in New York and the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut were ordered to become takeout-only and delivery only, and businesses from movie theaters and casinos to gyms and beyond were ordered to close last night.Yesterday, bars and restaurants in New York and the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut were ordered to become takeout-only and delivery only, and businesses from movie theaters and casinos to gyms and beyond were ordered to close last night.
The governors said essential businesses such as supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies would be able to stay open after 8pm on Monday, though all non-essential businesses must close. Restaurants will be able to offer takeout and delivery.The governors said essential businesses such as supermarkets, gas stations and pharmacies would be able to stay open after 8pm on Monday, though all non-essential businesses must close. Restaurants will be able to offer takeout and delivery.
It is the latest escalation of efforts to keep people apart in the New York metropolitan area, in hopes of curbing the spread of the virus, and an attempt to coordinate a regional response in the face of what the Democratic governors called lagging federal action under a Republican White House.It is the latest escalation of efforts to keep people apart in the New York metropolitan area, in hopes of curbing the spread of the virus, and an attempt to coordinate a regional response in the face of what the Democratic governors called lagging federal action under a Republican White House.
“It’s chaos,” New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, said during a joint conference call with the other governors.“It’s chaos,” New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, said during a joint conference call with the other governors.
Governor Andrew Cuomo is holding a press conference. He said he has “no interest whatsoever” in ordering quarantining, aka putting on lockdown, any city in the state (which includes New York City) at this stage.Governor Andrew Cuomo is holding a press conference. He said he has “no interest whatsoever” in ordering quarantining, aka putting on lockdown, any city in the state (which includes New York City) at this stage.
He explained that the restrictive containment area imposed on New Rochelle last week was “to contain the virus” by closing schools, etc, and was not a rule stopping people moving in and out of the city.He explained that the restrictive containment area imposed on New Rochelle last week was “to contain the virus” by closing schools, etc, and was not a rule stopping people moving in and out of the city.
Members of the National Guard were sent in to New Rochelle to help out with cleaning facilities and feeding people.Members of the National Guard were sent in to New Rochelle to help out with cleaning facilities and feeding people.
Cuomo is concerned that the state may need three times more intensive care unit beds than are currently available, which is around 3,000 beds.Cuomo is concerned that the state may need three times more intensive care unit beds than are currently available, which is around 3,000 beds.
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (Republican of Kentucky) is indicating that the Senate will gather and not adjourn “until it passes bold measures that go beyond House economic relief bill”.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (Republican of Kentucky) is indicating that the Senate will gather and not adjourn “until it passes bold measures that go beyond House economic relief bill”.
This indicates favorability towards the idea of a ginormous $850 billion economic stimulus package that the Trump administration appears poised to ask the US Congress to approve, Reuters reports.This indicates favorability towards the idea of a ginormous $850 billion economic stimulus package that the Trump administration appears poised to ask the US Congress to approve, Reuters reports.
The House passed an emergency coronavirus-related bill last night and sent it to the Senate.The House passed an emergency coronavirus-related bill last night and sent it to the Senate.
Hashtag kill the virusHashtag kill the virus
The president, who just called on other leaders to “keep politics out” of US efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak is on one of his helpful Twitter tears this morning.The president, who just called on other leaders to “keep politics out” of US efforts to tackle the coronavirus outbreak is on one of his helpful Twitter tears this morning.
He just tweeted this about popular Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer (who earlier this month endorsed Joe Biden for the Democratic 2020 nomination):He just tweeted this about popular Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer (who earlier this month endorsed Joe Biden for the Democratic 2020 nomination):
Nevertheless:Nevertheless:
Mnuchin to outline stimulus package over lunch today - reportMnuchin to outline stimulus package over lunch today - report
The reported $850 billion emergency economic rescue package sought by the Trump administration for businesses and taxpayers amid the coronavirus crisis is something unseen since the Great Recession (of 2008-9).The reported $850 billion emergency economic rescue package sought by the Trump administration for businesses and taxpayers amid the coronavirus crisis is something unseen since the Great Recession (of 2008-9).
The Associated Press reports:The Associated Press reports:
That’s the polite way of putting it. Often it’s just vicious knockabout but it of course becomes incredibly sinister when lives are at risk and two of the most consequential leaders in the US are in a fist fight.That’s the polite way of putting it. Often it’s just vicious knockabout but it of course becomes incredibly sinister when lives are at risk and two of the most consequential leaders in the US are in a fist fight.
Donald Trump and New York’s Democratic party governor, Andrew Cuomo, have been slugging it out this week over the handling of the coronavirus outbreak. This comes as US health officials have warned that the US is at the “tipping point” in how bad this crisis gets here.Donald Trump and New York’s Democratic party governor, Andrew Cuomo, have been slugging it out this week over the handling of the coronavirus outbreak. This comes as US health officials have warned that the US is at the “tipping point” in how bad this crisis gets here.
Here is what the president just tweeted:Here is what the president just tweeted:
The ding-dong had already been going all day yesterday. As my Washington colleague David Smith reported:The ding-dong had already been going all day yesterday. As my Washington colleague David Smith reported:
[On Monday afternoon, Trump] took a swipe at Cuomo, the Democratic governor of New York, where the president was born and built his business. He tweeted: “Just had a very good tele-conference with Nation’s Governors. Went very well. Cuomo of New York has to ‘do more’.”[On Monday afternoon, Trump] took a swipe at Cuomo, the Democratic governor of New York, where the president was born and built his business. He tweeted: “Just had a very good tele-conference with Nation’s Governors. Went very well. Cuomo of New York has to ‘do more’.”
Cuomo, also on Twitter, snapped back: “I have to do more? No YOU have to do something! You’re supposed to be the President.”Cuomo, also on Twitter, snapped back: “I have to do more? No YOU have to do something! You’re supposed to be the President.”
He added: “Happy to do your job, too. Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I’ll take it from there.”He added: “Happy to do your job, too. Just give me control of the Army Corps of Engineers and I’ll take it from there.”
Earlier Cuomo had announced a regional agreement with New Jersey, New York and Connecticut to shut all cinemas, casinos and gyms as of 8pm. Restaurants and bars in the three states - home to more than 22 million – will serve takeout and delivery only.Earlier Cuomo had announced a regional agreement with New Jersey, New York and Connecticut to shut all cinemas, casinos and gyms as of 8pm. Restaurants and bars in the three states - home to more than 22 million – will serve takeout and delivery only.
This was on the day when Trump, as Smith wrote, had been “subdued into realism”.This was on the day when Trump, as Smith wrote, had been “subdued into realism”.
Here are some immediate responses to Trump’s tweet this morning.Here are some immediate responses to Trump’s tweet this morning.
Here are two recent articles about US Republicans’ willful nativism around the pandemic. First this today from Lily Kuo.Here are two recent articles about US Republicans’ willful nativism around the pandemic. First this today from Lily Kuo.
And this slightly earlier one from Adam Gabbatt:And this slightly earlier one from Adam Gabbatt:
Much news to digest, and the Guardian aims to keep it fast, accurate, interesting and digestible! We’ll be covering events in US politics here today, which will be a mix government-related coronavirus news and non-coronavirus political news.Much news to digest, and the Guardian aims to keep it fast, accurate, interesting and digestible! We’ll be covering events in US politics here today, which will be a mix government-related coronavirus news and non-coronavirus political news.
In addition to this “channel” you can follow our dedicated global news coronavirus live blog, currently being run out of London, here.In addition to this “channel” you can follow our dedicated global news coronavirus live blog, currently being run out of London, here.
And, with the US financial markets set to open shortly, all the news from that direction will be covered in detail by our global business live blog, also run out of the Guardian’s London HQ, here.And, with the US financial markets set to open shortly, all the news from that direction will be covered in detail by our global business live blog, also run out of the Guardian’s London HQ, here.
Hello all, Joanna Walters here, taking over the US politics live blog in New York, from my colleagues in London. Voting is underway (with some glitches) in today’s primaries in Florida, Arizona and Illinois, with Ohio postponed.Hello all, Joanna Walters here, taking over the US politics live blog in New York, from my colleagues in London. Voting is underway (with some glitches) in today’s primaries in Florida, Arizona and Illinois, with Ohio postponed.
But the breaking news emerging is that there are pretty reliable reports that the Trump administration is seeking agreement from the US Congress for a whopping $850 billion stimulus package to boost the economy amid the coronavirus crisis.But the breaking news emerging is that there are pretty reliable reports that the Trump administration is seeking agreement from the US Congress for a whopping $850 billion stimulus package to boost the economy amid the coronavirus crisis.
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin plans to outline details to the US Senate later today. Media outlets including the Reuters news agency and the Washington Post are reporting the news, citing unnamed officials.Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin plans to outline details to the US Senate later today. Media outlets including the Reuters news agency and the Washington Post are reporting the news, citing unnamed officials.