This Trump press conference & these EOs create confusion, questions and chaos when clarity, certainty and real solutions are desperately needed by struggling Americans. Trump alluded to “stopping evictions” but provided no details. 1/
The president’s authority to establish a broad national eviction moratorium in the absence of congressional action is questionable and will almost certainly be quickly challenged in court by landlord associations.
By relying on shaky legal authority, this executive order offers merely false hope, and risks increased confusion and chaos at a time when renters need assurance that they will not be kicked out of their homes during a pandemic.
Even if upheld in court, this executive order is only a half-measure. Because the moratorium is not paired with substantial emergency rental assistance, the executive order could merely postpone evictions nationwide, not prevent them.
W/o significant & sustained congressional action, 30-40 MILLION renters are at risk of being evicted by end of year. Every day of inaction puts more seniors, people w/disabilities, & families at imminent risk of losing their homes in the middle of a pandemic.
The time for political games, half-measures & brinkmanship has long passed. Trump and his admin must go back to negotiating table to work out a comprehensive deal w/Congress to prevent tens of millions of renters from losing their homes in the coming months.
