Financial Aid

President Donald Trump called the recently passed coronavirus relief bill a "disgrace" on Tuesday and has demanded changes, including $2000 stimulus checks instead of the proposed $600 and to get rid of "wasteful and unnecessary items".

"I'm asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2000 or $4000 per couple," Trump said in a video released on Twitter. "I'm also asking Congress to immediately get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items in this legislation or to send me a suitable bill."

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded on Twitter: "We spent months trying to secure $2000 checks, but Republicans blocked it. Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open, and we're glad to pass more aid Americans need. Maybe Trump can finally make himself useful and get Republicans not to block it again."

President Donald Trump has halted negotiations with Democratic lawmakers over a Covid-19 relief bill until after the election.

"I have instructed my representatives to stop negotiating until after the election when, immediately after I win, we will pass a major Stimulus Bill that focuses on hardworking Americans and Small Business," Trump announced on Twitter. The US stocks fell by more than 2% after the announcement.

Shortly after, Trump tweeted he "was ready to sign right now" if "sent a Stand Alone Bill for Stimulus Checks ($1,200), they will go out to our great people IMMEDIATELY."

A nearly $300 million fund in humanitarian assistance has been pledged by world leaders to Lebanon and its people. During a virtual conference, led by France's Macron, over 30 world leaders pledged and offered their support for country and the people of Beirut. The "assistance should be timely, sufficient and consistent with the needs of the Lebanese people and directly delivered to the Lebanese population, with utmost efficiency and transparency."