NEW: Trump is seething over having to work with Nancy Pelosi on a coronavirus response trib.al/5TfGajH
“At this time, the president does not see it as productive to [personally] negotiate directly with Nancy Pelosi,” said one of the senior administration officials. Trump suspects that Pelosi would use the moment to try to humiliate him. trib.al/Qhtogjn
“When you’re in the middle of a public health crisis, you don’t need that kind of theater,” the official added. Instead, Trump has deputized some of his more prominent lieutenants to handle the delicate negotiations such as Steve Mnuchin. trib.al/Qhtogjn
House Democrats plan to soon unveil a package expanding paid sick leave and unemployment insurance, beefing up federal labor protections for health care workers, and broadening access to food stamps and free school lunches. trib.al/Qhtogjn
Trump has reportedly been willing to consider backing Democratic-endorsed measures. But his own approach—at least publicly—looks quite different, embracing targeted relief to hotels, airline, and cruise ship businesses as well as a payroll tax cut. trib.al/Qhtogjn
Pelosi is making her play. By moving quickly—with a vote possibly as soon as this week—Dems have an opportunity to set the legislative framework for the debate on how to respond to coronavirus, possibly boxing in the White House and Senate Republicans. trib.al/Qhtogjn
