With a self-imposed Friday deadline for presenting a new coronavirus relief bill and the two sides far apart on key issues, President Trump met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to discuss tactics in the ongoing negotiations, the Associated Press reports.
The alleged author of The Art of the Deal reportedly discussed negotiation tactics in the political world with McConnell on a relief package Trump desperately needs to pass to bolster his floundering reelection campaign.
McConnell has largely been silent in the discussions with Democratic leaders because he doesn’t have the support of Senate republicans to pass a bill out of the Senate, whereas the Democratic House passed one in May.
Unfortunately for Trump and republicans, they need Democratic buy-in and approval to move forward on a relief package because McConnell does not have the support of the far-right wing of republicans.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have been united in holding their ground for key provisions in the next relief bill, including assistance to state and local governments, extended federal unemployment benefits, and protection against evictions.
“We believe the patient needs a major operation while Republicans want to apply just a Band-Aid,” Schumer said. “We won’t let them just pass the Band-Aid, go home and leave America bleeding.”