Although President Trump promised last night that he would unveil “dramatic” and “major” economic policies today, I’m told that there is no finalized economic plan inside the White House now. As of last night, I was told: “it’s not there right now.” A lot of details to work out.
When the President announced in the briefing room last night that he would have another press conference today to announce his economic plan, officials were “stunned” because that had not been on the agenda.
A lot will depend on Mnuchin and Kudlow’s lunch with Senate Republicans on the Hill today, where I am told they will float several ideas and see what is politically possible.
Things were a little freewheeling at the WH last night. Trade advisor Peter Navarro, who is not on the Coronavirus task force, nonetheless attended the briefing, standing on the podium with the president. I’m told he “just trailed” other officials into the briefing room.
There is a virus press conference scheduled for 5:30 this evening. It’s possible the WH will have details ready to go by then. But anything involving spending or taxes will require congressional action, so will not be immediate.
A senior administration official tells me: “The president has a strong point of view, and he's looking forward to Senate reaction to that perspective.”
Just spoke to Peter Navarro on the idea that he surprised people by showing up for the press briefing yesterday. He says: “That’s a malicious leak and a lie.“
Navarro says: “The president specifically asked during the Oval meeting that I, by name, and other members of the economics + trade team stand with him on the podium. And I left when the president left. And ‘leave’ is what the remaining leakers in this administration should do.”
