Steven Rattner methodically fact-checked Trump’s recent list of lies about his economy, job creation, crime, and oil policies. Biden beat him on every outcome.
Complete takedown of Trump’s economy & more.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
In a political landscape often clouded by hyperbole and misinformation, it’s critical to dissect the claims made by public figures with a fine-tooth comb. Recently, Donald Trump took the stage in North Carolina and repeated a litany of self-aggrandizing assertions about his time in office, particularly concerning the economy, job creation, energy independence, and crime. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that these claims do not hold up under scrutiny, especially when compared to the achievements of the Biden administration.
Steven Rattner, a well-regarded political analyst, recently delivered a comprehensive analysis that dismantled Trump’s assertions point by point. This analysis reveals that, contrary to Trump’s claims, the economy under President Biden has outperformed Trump’s in several key areas, even when adjusting for the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s narrative, which paints Biden’s tenure as an economic disaster, is not just misleading—it’s demonstrably false.
Economic Growth: A Reality Check
Trump often boasts about having overseen “the strongest economy in history.” However, when one examines the actual data, this claim falls apart. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate is a crucial measure of economic health. Under Trump, the economy grew at an average rate of about 2.6% per year, excluding the impact of COVID-19. This is not an insignificant figure, but it pales compared to Biden’s 3.5% average annual growth rate during his tenure, excluding COVID-19 effects. The disparity becomes even more pronounced when considering the unprecedented economic recovery that Biden has overseen following the pandemic-induced recession.
Biden’s economic policies, including the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, have played a pivotal role in driving this growth. These measures provided immediate relief to millions of Americans while laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability. In contrast, Trump’s tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy and did little to address the broader economy’s structural issues. The narrative that Trump handed Biden an “economic miracle” is not only inaccurate—it’s a complete inversion of reality.
Job Creation: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Another area where Trump’s rhetoric diverges sharply from reality is job creation. Trump claims to have been a champion of job creation, but the data tells a different story. On average, Trump’s administration created about 182,000 jobs per month, a figure that is respectable but far from extraordinary. Under Biden, however, the economy has added an average of 271,000 jobs per month, even when adjusting for the effects of COVID-19.
This stark difference underscores the effectiveness of Biden’s policies in fostering job growth and economic recovery. Biden’s focus on rebuilding infrastructure, expanding clean energy, and supporting working families has had a tangible impact on job creation across the country. Meanwhile, Trump’s economic legacy is marred by his administration’s disastrous handling of the pandemic, which resulted in widespread job losses and economic instability.
Energy Independence: Setting the Record Straight
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States was “energy independent” during his presidency and that Biden somehow undermined this achievement. However, this assertion does not hold up to factual scrutiny. The reality is that the U.S. has not been truly energy-independent since before 1950. While it is true that domestic oil production increased during Trump’s tenure, this was part of a long-term trend that began well before he took office.
In fact, under Biden, the U.S. reached a significant milestone in 2023 by becoming a net exporter of oil for the first time in decades. This achievement and Biden’s aggressive push for clean energy represents a more sustainable path to energy independence than Trump’s focus on fossil fuels. Furthermore, Trump’s obsession with Venezuelan oil is puzzling, especially considering that Venezuelan oil imports have decreased significantly under Biden, contrary to Trump’s claims.
Crime and Migrant Crime: Debunking the Myths
Finally, Trump’s claims about crime, particularly migrant crime, are among the most egregious distortions of reality. Trump has repeatedly stoked fear by suggesting that the U.S. is in the midst of a crime wave fueled by migrants. However, data from multiple sources, including the FBI, shows that violent crime rates have actually decreased by 26% under Biden’s administration. Furthermore, the notion that migrants are responsible for a significant portion of crime in the U.S. is a baseless myth. Studies consistently show that undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born Americans, largely because they seek to avoid any interactions with law enforcement that could lead to deportation.
Trump’s rhetoric on this issue is not only factually incorrect, but it is also deeply harmful. It perpetuates xenophobia and distracts from the real issues facing the country, such as gun violence and systemic inequality. Biden’s approach, which focuses on addressing the root causes of crime and promoting community-based solutions, is far more effective and humane.
The Larger Implications
The persistent myth that Trump was a better steward of the economy, job creation, energy independence, and crime reduction is not just inaccurate—it’s dangerous. It fosters a false narrative that can mislead voters and undermine democratic decision-making. Trump’s continued peddling of these myths is a testament to his willingness to deceive the public for political gain.
A vote for Trump is not a vote for a better economy or a safer country; it is a vote for a man who has consistently failed to deliver on his promises and who continues to lie about his record. The data is clear: under Biden, the economy is stronger, more jobs have been created, energy independence has been achieved, and crime rates have decreased. These are the facts, and they deserve to be at the forefront of any discussion about the future of the United States.