Coronavirus: Doubts over whether libertarian hold-out will back down from opposing $2trn stimulus bill

President blasted Congressman Massie on Twitter as Saturday vote is possible

Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie sowed confusion on Friday over whether he will delay a House vote on a $2trn coronavirus economic aid package after Donald Trump bashed him on Twitter and Republicans and Democrats spent the morning on the chamber floor urging their colleagues to pass the massive measure.

"I am not delaying the bill like Nancy Pelosi did last week," Mr Massie tweeted, referring to the chamber's speaker. "In a few moments I will request a vote on the CARES Act which means members of Congress will vote on it by pushing 'yes' or 'no' or 'present.'" But he gave no indication that he would do so in a manner that would require all members of the House to come back to Washington for a recorded vote, suggesting he will make his request in his own floor speech.

News outlets interpreted the wording of the tweet differently as Mr Massie chatted on the House floor with leaders of both parties as they tried to convince him to allow the measure to pass Friday afternoon without a need to summon all members back for a likely Saturday vote.

Mr Trump has said he is ready to sign the recovery bill into law.