The Trump administration has signalled it will hold firm on its position that enhanced unemployment benefits should not continue at their current levels in the next coronavirus relief package.

President Donald Trump and Steven Mnuchin, US Treasury secretary, met with Republican congressional leaders Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy at the White House on Monday to discuss the contours of Republicans’ stimulus proposal, as Congress prepares a new relief package.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Mr Mnuchin indicated the administration did not want to see enhanced unemployment benefits continue at their current level of $600 a week, and would open negotiations for $1tn in supplemental aid. The House of Representatives has passed Democratic-sponsored legislation that would provide an additional $3tn in aid, but the Republican-controlled Senate has refused to consider it.