Trump Slams Congress for “Wasteful” COVID Relief Bill, Demands $2,000 Checks

President Donald Trump ripped into Congress Tuesday evening for the latest COVID relief bill. The president called the bill “a disgrace.”

“Throughout the summer, Democrats cruelly blocked COVID relief legislation in an effort to advance their extreme left-wing agenda and influence the election,” Trump said.

Trump blasted Congress for taking “forever” and now said the nearly 5,600 page bill he received is “much different than anticipated.”

“It really is a disgrace,” Trump said. “For example, among the more than 5,000 pages in this bill which nobody in Congress has read because of its length and complexity. It’s called the COVID Relief Bill but it has almost nothing to do with COVID.”

Trump went on to list all of the different countries and entities which are receiving aid in the newly passed legislation, such as Burma, Sudan, Palestine, and Egypt. The bill also authorizes $600 stimulus checks for people who earn less than $75,000 per year (plus an extra $600 per child).

“This is far more than the Americans are given,” Trump said.

Trump clamored for more direct payments to American families and small business owners, in particular restaurant owners.

“Not enough money is given to small businesses and in particular restaurants, whose owners have suffered so grievously,” Trump said. “They were only given a deduction for others to use in business, their restaurant, for two years. This two year period must be withdrawn which will allow owners to obtain financing and get their restaurants back in condition.”

Trump continued to tear into Congress, saying the bill does the bare minimum for the American people even though the situation “was not their fault.” As a result, Trump demanded Congress to increase direct payments to the American people and to remove all wasteful spending.

“I’m asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000 or $4,000 for a couple,” Trump said. “I’m also asking Congress to get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and send me a suitable bill.”

If Congress does not meet those demands, Trump will veto it.

“Or else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package,” Trump said. “And maybe that administration will be me. And we will get it done.”