Trump signs massive measure funding government and Covid relief

President Donald Trump arriving at his West Palm Beach, Florida golf course on Sunday. He later calmed fears in Washington and across the US by signing the long-negotiated Covid relief bill (Patrick Semansky/AP)

President Donald Trump signed a $900bn pandemic relief package on Sunday, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown.

The massive bill includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through to September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems and an increase in food stamp benefits.