Fact Check: economy under trump is worse than biden

Published August 23, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact-Check: "The economy under Trump is worse than Biden" ## What We Know The claim that "the economy under Trump is worse than Biden" can be eval...

Fact-Check: "The economy under Trump is worse than Biden"

What We Know

The claim that "the economy under Trump is worse than Biden" can be evaluated using several key economic indicators, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment rates, and inflation.

GDP Growth: During Donald Trump's presidency, the average annual GDP growth rate was approximately 2.3% from January 2017 to January 2021, which included the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Joe Biden, the GDP growth rate has been around 2.2% since he took office in January 2021, indicating that both administrations have had similar economic growth rates despite the pandemic's impact (BBC).
Unemployment Rates: When Biden took office, the unemployment rate was about 6.3%, having risen due to the pandemic. By March 2025, the unemployment rate had decreased to 4.1% (The Guardian). In contrast, Trump's administration saw the unemployment rate drop to 4.2% by the end of his term, but it had also been lower before the pandemic hit.
Inflation: Inflation rates have been a significant concern during Biden's presidency, peaking at 9.1% in June 2022, which is higher than the rates experienced during Trump's term. However, it is important to note that inflation rates were also high in previous decades, and Trump's assertion that Biden's inflation is the worst in history is misleading (BBC).
Stock Market Performance: The stock market saw significant gains during both administrations, with the S&P 500 increasing by 5.3% during Trump's term (The Economist).

Analysis

The evaluation of the claim involves a comparison of economic indicators under both administrations. While GDP growth rates are similar, the context of the pandemic must be considered. The economic recovery post-COVID has been robust under Biden, with the U.S. showing strong growth compared to other G7 nations (BBC).

Unemployment rates illustrate a recovery trend under Biden, which is a positive sign for the economy. However, the claim that the economy under Trump was worse must also consider the economic conditions he faced, including the pandemic's onset.

Inflation is a critical factor in this discussion. While it is true that inflation peaked under Biden, it is essential to recognize that economic conditions are influenced by numerous factors, including global supply chain issues and fiscal policies from both administrations. Trump's claims about Biden's inflation being the worst are not supported by historical data, as inflation has been higher in previous decades (BBC).

The sources used in this analysis vary in reliability. The BBC and The Guardian are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards, while some economic analyses may have inherent biases based on political affiliations. It is crucial to cross-reference data from multiple sources to obtain a well-rounded view.

Conclusion

The claim that "the economy under Trump is worse than Biden" is Partially True. While both administrations have faced unique challenges and have achieved similar GDP growth rates, the context of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacts the comparison. Unemployment rates have improved under Biden, and inflation has been a contentious issue. Therefore, while there are valid points on both sides, the economic performance cannot be definitively categorized as worse or better without considering the broader context.

Sources

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