President Donald Trump continued to blame House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over stalled federal stimulus package talks during the final presidential debate. When asked by moderator Kristen Welker why Trump has not been able to get Americans aid amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump responded b saying it’s because of Pelosi and that he wants to send help their way.
Welker quipped back that “you’re the President” after Trump redirected the blame onto Pelosi’s shoulders. Trump reminded Welker that he stills need to get a plan sent to him that is agreed upon by both sides, “That’s one of the reasons why I think we’re going to take over the house because Nancy Pelosi doesn’t want to approve anything.” He added that the reason he believes she is holding things up is that she “doesn’t want to have any victories” prior to the Nov. 3 election, “We are ready, willing and able to do something.” Trump then told Welker that they have already approved three proposals but she won’t give her approval because, as Trump explains, she feels “it hurts her politically.” This has remained Trump’s gripe with Pelosi throughout the duration of discussions, claiming that nothing will get through until after the election.
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Kristen Welker on people in need of funds from stalled COVID-19 relief bill: “Mr. President, why haven’t you been able to get them the help they need?”
“Because Nancy Pelosi doesn’t want to approve it,” Pres. Trump replies. “I do.”
“But you’re the president.” #Debates2020 pic.twitter.com/HcWibVUIr8
— ABC News (@ABC) October 23, 2020
Talks over getting a relief plan together before the election did recently take a step forward. On Thursday, Pelosi said the two sides have come together closer than they were before this week, though two issues remain. Pelosi said state and local funding and liability protections of businesses are two sticking points in the deal. Despite this, Pelosi noted “we’re just about there” in giving her estimation. Over the past few weeks, Trump has continued to press Pelosi over the stalled talks. On Twitter, the two have gone back and forth at one another as Trump has, on multiple occasions, called her out for being the problem when it comes to the talks on a relief fund. In order to get something together before the Nov. 3 election, policymakers will need to get something together rather quickly as their remains less than two weeks to go before the polls close.
