Fact Check: UN Criticized Trump's Economic Policies for Worsening Poverty Rate in the Country
What We Know
A recent report from the United Nations, presented by Philip Alston, the U.N. special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, criticized the Trump administration's economic policies, suggesting they could exacerbate hardships for America's poor. The report claims that the policies seem "deliberately designed to remove basic protections from the poorest" and that they could lead to increased poverty rates in the future (Washington Post, Reuters).
Despite these criticisms, experts indicate that the overall poverty rate in the U.S. has likely decreased during Trump's presidency due to economic improvements, such as wage growth and a declining unemployment rate (Washington Post). The U.S. poverty rate was reported at 12.7% in 2016, prior to Trump's election, down from 15.1% in 2010, and it has continued to decline since then (Washington Post).
The U.N. report highlights that America already had significant issues related to poverty before Trump's administration, including the highest rates of youth poverty and income inequality among developed nations (Reuters). Alston's report emphasizes that the persistence of extreme poverty is a political choice, suggesting that systemic issues are at play beyond any single administration's policies (Washington Post, CLASP).
Analysis
The U.N. report is a credible source, as it is based on extensive research and observations by a recognized expert in the field of poverty. Alston's findings are supported by statistical data showing that approximately 40 million Americans live in poverty, with 18.5 million in extreme poverty (CLASP, NewsOne). However, the report also acknowledges that the data on poverty rates largely predates Trump's presidency, making it difficult to directly attribute changes in poverty levels to his policies (Washington Post).
While the report's claims about the potential negative impacts of Trump's policies are echoed by various experts, such as H. Luke Shaefer from the University of Michigan, who suggests that the effects of these policies may not be fully realized until a recession occurs (Washington Post). This indicates a level of uncertainty regarding the immediate impact of Trump's policies on poverty rates.
Moreover, the report has been criticized by some conservative commentators who argue that the introduction of work requirements in welfare programs could help lift people out of poverty (Washington Post). This highlights a divide in perspectives on the effectiveness of Trump's economic policies.
Conclusion
The claim that the U.N. criticized Trump's economic policies for risking an increase in the poverty rate is Partially True. The U.N. report does express concern that Trump's policies could exacerbate poverty and weaken the safety net for the poor. However, it is also important to note that the overall poverty rate has likely decreased during his presidency due to broader economic improvements. The complexities surrounding poverty in the U.S. suggest that while the U.N. report raises valid concerns, the immediate impact of Trump's policies on poverty rates is still uncertain.
Sources
- An explosive U.N. report shows America's safety net was ...
- America's poor becoming more destitute under Trump - U.N ...
- U.N. report details 'extreme poverty' in U.S., slams Trump ...
- UN Report On Poverty Criticizes Trump Administration Policies
- U.N. report details 'extreme poverty' in U.S., slams Trump ...
- Trump's 'cruel' measures pushing US inequality to ...
