U.S. President Donald Trump arrived on Capitol Hill on Tuesday for perhaps one of the larger social gatherings still happening in Washington amid the coronavirus -- the weekly Senate Republican lunch.
Behind closed doors, Trump was unscripted and freewheeling with the 53 GOP senators. He touted his poll numbers, dismissed rival Joe Biden and implored Republicans to "be tough" against Democrats this fall. Despite House passage of a $3 trillion pandemic aid package, Republicans insisted they'll wait until June to consider whether more help is necessary.
Washington's power centres are at a political and economic crossroads as Congress and the White House consider next steps in the pandemic response. The Democratic bill also provides money for more virus testing, a fresh round of $1,200 rebate checks for cash-strapped Americans and other aid. The president warned them that Democrats are tougher than Republicans and won't hesitate to go on offence. He revisited well-worn topics including the investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 election and ousted former national security adviser Michael Flynn, according to one Republican who was unauthorized to discuss the private session and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump was joined by son-in-law Jared Kushner, a senior adviser, and new chief of staff Mark Meadows, a former congressman. Gone is the buffet spread, with hot and cold offerings. Instead, it's prewrapped sandwiches and salads, chips and water. The senators now gather in a bigger room across the street from the Capitol rather than the stately one steps from the Senate chamber. Seating is a socially distant three to a table. Many senators wear masks.
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