President Trump Talks About ‘Big Bold’ Economic Stimulus At Press Conference
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 17: U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by members of the Coronavirus Task Force, speaks about the coronavirus in the press briefing room at the White House on March 17, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Trump administration is considering an $850 billion stimulus package to counter the economic fallout as the coronavirus spreads. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
At a press conference at the White House today, President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that they are exploring the idea of legislation that would include sending checks to Americans to help them manage through the economic impact of the coronavirus.
"We're looking at sending checks to Americans immediately," Trump said, saying that the government could come together for a "big, bold" package. He said "We’re going big" on a stimulus plan, saying it will be a "big infusion."
"We want to go big, go solid," he added. "We don’t want airlines going out of business or people losing their jobs and not having money to live."
Mnuchin said, "This is stuff that needs to be done now." He noted that Americans are not at fault for the economic situation. "We’re looking at sending checks to Americans immediately. And I mean, now in the next two weeks."
“The president has instructed me we have to this now,” Mnuchin said. Fox News points out that Mnuchin did not give specifics, except to say that the amount would be significant and that millionaires would not receive it.
"We’re giving relief to affected industries and small businesses, and we’re ensuring that we emerge from this challenge with a prosperous and growing economy because that’s what’s going to happen," Trump said. "It’s going to be big, it’s going to be bold, and the level of enthusiasm to get something done I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like it.”
Trump and Mnuchin did not say how much the proposal would cost, but NPR reports that White House is asking Congress for $850 billion in aid.
President Trump also discussed the expansion of telehealth services for those on Medicare, noting that patients can access any doctor "at no additional cost."
