Staff Reports
In a rare one-on-one interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, President Joe Biden made the claim that he has created over 15 million jobs since taking office. He also criticized former President Donald Trump, saying that “other than Herbert Hoover he’s the only other president who lost more jobs than he created in his four-year term.” This statement by Biden has sparked controversy among political commentators.
In context, however, the numbers paint a different picture. When Trump came into office in January 2017, there were roughly 125 million full-time workers in the United States. By February 2020, this had increased to 131 million. The employment rate had also increased from 59.9 percent to 61.1 percent during that same period. In both cases, Trump’s administration had steered America through the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis.
We’ve helped create over 15 million new jobs, canceled student loans for millions of Americans, lowered health care and prescription drug costs, and are fighting for your freedoms.
Trump and MAGA Republicans want to undo all our progress.
We won’t let it happen. pic.twitter.com/aWodhQ03oQ
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 25, 2024
In contrast, following the COVID-19 lockdowns, the employment situation drastically declined to 51.2 percent with jobs dropping from 131 million to 114 million between February and April 2020. When Biden took office in January 2021, the situation had eased slightly with 57.4 percent employment and 125 million jobs. By March 2024, employment had improved to 60.3 percent and there were 133 million full-time jobs.
Some critics argue that Biden’s economic policies have not been as effective as claimed. They say that the economy was depressed due to prolonged lockdowns by Democrats during the end of the Trump administration and the beginning of the Biden administration. They also point out that Biden’s policies, such as inflationary measures and tax hikes, have negatively impacted the economy.
Critics view Biden’s claim of creating 15 million jobs as misleading, as the employment rate is still below where it was under Trump. They argue that the economic recovery should have resulted in a higher employment rate and more jobs, given population growth alone.
The debate around Biden’s job creation claims is likely to continue as the country prepares for the 2024 election. Some political commentators are highlighting the importance of this election, emphasizing that it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of America.
Overall, the discussion surrounding job creation and economic policies under the Biden administration will remain a key issue in the upcoming election.
Opinions on the economic situation and the effectiveness of Biden’s policies vary among political commentators, and the debate is expected to continue as the election approaches.
