Fact Check: Trump made the US "Great Again" in his first presidency.

Fact Check: "Trump made the US 'Great Again' in his first presidency."

What We Know

The claim that Donald Trump made the United States "Great Again" during his presidency is often supported by various statistics and accomplishments highlighted by his administration. According to the Trump Administration Accomplishments, the U.S. experienced significant job growth, with 7 million new jobs created and an unemployment rate that fell to 3.5%, the lowest in half a century. Additionally, median household income reportedly increased by nearly $6,000, and poverty rates for African Americans and Hispanic Americans reached record lows. The administration also emphasized deregulation efforts, tax cuts, and a booming stock market, with the DOW reaching over 30,000 by the end of 2020.

However, these claims are countered by analyses indicating that the economic growth during Trump's term was not as robust as presented. A report by the Joint Economic Committee noted that the U.S. economy shrank by 3.5% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the worst economic performance since 1946. Furthermore, annual real GDP growth averaged only 1% during Trump's presidency, which is considered the slowest in modern history.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of a "Great Again" America under Trump is a mix of positive economic indicators and selective statistics. The White House and other pro-Trump sources emphasize job creation and wage increases, attributing these successes to Trump's policies. However, these sources may exhibit bias, as they are produced by the administration itself, which has a vested interest in portraying its achievements favorably.

On the other hand, critiques from independent analyses, such as the Joint Economic Committee report, provide a more nuanced view of Trump's economic legacy. They highlight that while some metrics improved, the overall economic growth was hindered by the pandemic, and the long-term trends in GDP growth were not as favorable as claimed. Furthermore, the assertion that Trump created the economic conditions is complicated by the fact that he inherited a growing economy from the previous administration, as noted in a separate analysis by the Joint Economic Committee.

The reliability of the sources varies significantly. Government reports and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are generally considered credible, while self-reported accomplishments from the Trump administration may be viewed with skepticism due to potential bias.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump made the U.S. "Great Again" during his presidency is Partially True. While there were notable achievements in job creation and income growth, these must be viewed in the context of the overall economic performance, which was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration's portrayal of its accomplishments often omits critical economic challenges and the slower growth rates that characterized Trump's tenure. Thus, while some aspects of the claim hold merit, the broader economic picture presents a more complex and less favorable assessment.

Sources

1. Trump Administration Accomplishments – The White House
2. PDF The Trump Presidency: A Final Economic Scorecard
3. Did Trump Create or Inherit the Strong Economy?
4. The Historic Results Of President Donald J. Trump's Economic Agenda
5. MEMO: First 100 Days Economy
6. Economy & Jobs - Trump White House Archives
7. The Historic Results Of President Donald J. Trump's Economic ...
8. TRUMP EFFECT: Higher Pay for American Workers - The White House