Barack Obama’s recent claim that he laid the groundwork for Donald Trump’s economic success has sparked an eyebrow-raising debate. During a speech earlier this month, Obama boldly took credit for the thriving economy under Trump, stating that it was thanks to his administration’s “75 straight months of job growth.”
Now, to anyone with a short memory, that might sound plausible. But those who remember the sluggish economy during Obama’s eight years in office know that his assertion is more than a little dishonest.
Under Obama, America’s economy was mired in slow growth, high unemployment, and stifling regulations. The recovery from the Great Recession was long and painful, with sluggish wage increases and fewer opportunities for the average American worker.
It wasn’t until Trump came in, slashing red tape, lowering taxes, and restricting immigration, that the economy truly took off. The massive job growth, record-low unemployment, and skyrocketing stock market during Trump’s first term were no accident. So, what does Trump think of Obama’s wild claim? Well, he didn’t hold back.
From Daily Caller:
Former President Donald Trump criticized former President Barack Obama in response to the Democrat claiming credit for the state of the Trump administration’s economy…“I think he’s angry; he pretends not to be, but I think he’s an angry guy. He’s a nasty guy. He’s got a little bit of an edge, and he’s angry about a lot of things. You look at what happened with President Joe Biden, and you look at what he did with Biden. He really hurt Biden,” Trump said, accusing Obama of playing a role in extinguishing Biden’s opportunity to finish his reelection campaign.
Trump Fires Back at Obama’s “Nasty” Claim
Former President Donald Trump had some choice words after hearing Obama’s attempt to take credit for his booming economy. In a clip played for Trump during an interview on the PBD Podcast, Obama declared that Trump’s economy was “pretty good” because of the foundation laid by the previous administration. Trump wasn’t buying it.
“I think he’s angry; he pretends not to be, but I think he’s an angry guy. He’s a nasty guy,” Trump quipped, suggesting that Obama isn’t too thrilled about how his economic legacy is being overshadowed by Trump’s accomplishments.
Trump went on to say that Obama’s influence over President Biden’s administration has actually hurt Biden’s chances of success, even suggesting that Obama played a role in undermining Biden’s ability to finish his reelection campaign.
It seems Trump found Obama’s tone and claims not just disingenuous but desperate. And if there’s one thing Trump has no patience for, it’s former presidents taking credit for work they didn’t do.
The Economy Under Trump: Record-Breaking Success
Let’s set the record straight. The economy under Trump wasn’t just good—it was exceptional. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. was experiencing some of its best economic indicators in decades. Median household incomes surged, poverty rates dropped to record lows, and unemployment hit a 50-year low.
Businesses were thriving, consumer confidence was at an all-time high, and wages were rising, particularly for lower-income workers. And unlike during Obama’s tenure, the gains were widespread, benefiting a much larger portion of Americans.
Trump’s economic policies—deregulation, tax cuts, and curbing illegal immigration—directly contributed to this unprecedented growth. These were not the kinds of policies that Obama favored, which is why his attempt to take credit for Trump’s success feels especially misplaced.
Obama’s Advice to Black Voters Falls Flat
However, it wasn’t just the economy that Trump took issue with. Trump also criticized Obama’s recent remarks to black male voters, where the former president urged them to support Kamala Harris, suggesting they were hesitant because she’s a woman.
Trump didn’t mince words, accusing Obama of talking down to black men and calling his comments “terrible.”
Trump’s point is simple: Obama may have been the first black president, but that doesn’t mean his political advice should be taken as gospel.
Black voters, like all Americans, are concerned about tangible issues—jobs, wages, crime, and security—not empty rhetoric or identity politics. And judging by the latest polls, it seems many voters agree.
Trump Still the Favorite on Economic Issues
Trump remains the clear favorite when it comes to handling the economy. A recent poll by the New York Times and Siena College revealed that nearly 55% of voters believe Trump would manage the economy better than Kamala Harris, the current Democratic candidate.
And it’s not just the economy where Trump shines. Voters also view him as more capable when it comes to border security and foreign policy—areas where the Biden-Harris administration has struggled to gain public confidence.
Meanwhile, Harris has scored higher on issues like healthcare and housing, but the economic concerns continue to dominate voters’ minds as Election Day draws near. It’s becoming clearer that Trump’s economic legacy remains a major selling point, even as Obama tries to rewrite history.
Key Takeaways:
- Obama’s attempt to take credit for Trump’s economic success is misleading, as the economy truly took off after Trump implemented his pro-growth policies.
- Trump fired back at Obama’s claim, calling the former president “angry” and “nasty” while defending his record on the economy.
- Polls show that a majority of voters believe Trump is better suited to handle the economy than Kamala Harris, with his economic track record serving as a major advantage in the 2024 race.
Source: Daily Caller
