In yet another desperate attempt to convince Americans that he is doing something to help during this pandemic, President Donald Trump bragged about the SBA loan program and begged small businesses to share success stories. Unfortunately, he botched that program, too.
Trump posted a video of himself promoting the program, which is supposed to help small businesses obtain loans to keep their workers paid and employed until the crisis ends. He then foolishly asked businesses to share their experiences with the program.
Just had a conf call w/ major lenders discussing our Great Small Businesses & the #PPPloan. I ask every company, big & small, making announcements about innovative contributions, hiring new workers, or looking to overcome setbacks to share your stories with #AmericaWorksTogether! pic.twitter.com/zfEy14aJ86
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2020
Predictably, it didn’t take long for the tweet to blow up in Trump’s face as small business owners began reporting issues with the program.
#AmericaWorksTogether frustrated and irate! Haven’t fired an employee, paid 2 payrolls, can’t get @WellsFargo to accept my PPP application. They say look elsewhere!
— Pete Rich, D.M.D (@peterichdmd) April 7, 2020
My small business has been with Citibank since 1983. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is working so great (per Trump) I received this email from Citibank today #AmericaWorksTogether #PPP #TrumpPressBriefing #Covid19 pic.twitter.com/78bs2kNsLt
— FlattenTheCurve ? (@GopSux2) April 7, 2020
#AmericaWorksTogether is not working…we have a 30 year relationship with #ChaseBank and it is impossible to reach anyone at @ChaseSupport or submit an application online for the #PPPloan. cc: Jamie Dimon @Chase https://t.co/lKjulanojL
— jim mill (@jimmilljimmill) April 7, 2020
#AmericaWorksTogether
WELLS FARGO
We want to keep you informed on your interest in the Paycheck Protection Program application through Wells Fargo.Due to high demand, we are not able to begin your application at this time/
— Showtime (@Dragster1107) April 7, 2020
My small business can’t get a loan because the funds have tapped out #AmericaWorksTogether
— JT (@Bergertron5000) April 7, 2020
#AmericaWorksTogether I own 3 small businesses. Applied for sba loan on March 30. Still NOTHING. We are unable to apply for unemployment. What is taking so long for these “so called” fast turnaround loans!!!
— shannie (@shancharles) April 7, 2020
#americaworkstogether
PPP=so screwed up. We have W-2 and 1099 workers, but can only borrow against wages of W-2’s. So now, I have to FIRE my 1099s since I can’t afford them, only to have them file for PPP- totally NOT what the plan was supposed to do!— Bill Giannone (@BillGiannone) April 7, 2020
#AmericaWorksTogether We have been thwarted by the change, 3 times now, of forms. Our bank is working hard and says it is “learning on the fly.” Several changes in what is needed for documentation. Seems par for the course with this administration. We are getting no help.
— Steven J. Kirschner (@KeysToTheCourt1) April 7, 2020
Clearly, Trump can’t even handle helping small businesses in the midst of an economic crash on his watch. It’s no wonder there are 10 million unemployment claims across the country.
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