x
Breaking News
More () »

Trump wants payroll tax relief to calm virus-spooked markets

Several Trump confidants in Congress disclosed they were isolating themselves after potential exposure to the virus.
Credit: AP
President Donald Trump pauses as he speaks in the briefing room of the White House in Washington, Monday, March, 9, 2020 (AP)

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says his administration will ask Congress to pass payroll tax relief as he looks to calm financial markets' fears over the impact of the coronavirus epidemic. 

Trump told reporters Monday that the administration is seeking "very substantial relief." Trump stepped forward with the contours of an initiative after markets dropped sharply and as the outbreak spread. 

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told Fox News, “this is a very serious health problem.”

At the Pentagon, officials have begun “social distancing” measures.

RELATED: Coronavirus live updates: White House coronavirus task force says risk of coronavirus in US is low

RELATED: Dow has worst point drop in history

Several Trump confidants in Congress disclosed they were isolating themselves after potential exposure to the virus. One traveled with the president from Florida on Air Force One on Monday.

See the full coronavirus task force Monday briefing at the White House below:

Before You Leave, Check This Out