Kudlow Says White House May Back Stimulus Package Bigger Than Democrats’ Proposal
TOPLINE
As President Trump conveys conflicting messages about his support for a stimulus package, White House advisor Larry Kudlow did not do much to offer clarity on the topic during an interview Sunday, claiming the administration “may” be open to a stimulus bill with a bigger price tag than the legislation the Democrats proposed, even though congressional Republicans are highly unlikely to back such a proposal.
KEY FACTS
“He may,” Kudlow said when asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper whether the White House is “now going to try to offer a bigger deal than a $2.2 trillion proposal” offered by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
Hours after ending talks over a next stimulus package, accusing Democrats of “not negotiating in good faith,” Trump changed course and told House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) he wants a “big deal,” Axios reports.
The president then went on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show Friday and said he wants a “bigger stimulus package, frankly, than either the Democrats or Republicans are offering” even though Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin—who has been tasked with leading stimulus negotiations for the White House—had proposed a bill with a reported price tag of $1.8 trillion just hours earlier, an offer Pelosi swiftly rejected.
Even if Trump does settle on a price tag, Republicans are unlikely to back any bill north of $2 trillion and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Friday a stimulus bill is “unlikely” before Election Day.
CRUCIAL QUOTE
Kudlow said Senate Republicans will “go along with” the $1.8 trillion White House stimulus proposal, though it doesn’t appear likely Republicans will rush to get on board.
BIG NUMBER
$2.2 trillion. That’s the price tag of the stimulus bill House Democrats passed earlier this month.
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