One of the coronavirus pandemic-related executive orders signed by President Trump addressed evictions, but critics say it's a weak move that doesn't actually extend a moratorium. Instead, the order merely directs the Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to consider taking action, Josh Blackman writes for Reason.
In short, the order instructs the two departments to look into identifying federal funds that could potentially provide assistance to renters and homeowners who can't meet their monthly rental and mortgage payments because of the pandemic. There are no guarantees.
Similarly, observers believe the payroll tax deferral order was overplayed, since taxpayers will still ultimately owe the money next year.
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Trump has said he'd try to terminate the tax altogether if he's re-elected, but it's unclear if he has the authority do so, and he would likely face bipartisan opposition in Congress.
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