As Joe Biden prepares to leave office, he’s looking back on key moments of his presidency with a critical eye. In a recent speech at the Brookings Institution, Biden expressed regret for not following Donald Trump’s example of signing the stimulus checks sent to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. This oversight, he suggested, may have shaped public perception of his administration’s economic efforts.
Lessons From Trump’s Approach to Relief Like Stimulus Check
Biden signed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan early in his presidency, delivering relief to millions of Americans. However, unlike Trump, who famously had his name printed on stimulus checks during his term, Biden refrained from personalizing the payments. Trump’s approach drew criticism but may have resonated with voters, as some credited him directly for pandemic relief. Biden acknowledged this missed opportunity, calling it a “stupid” decision during his unscripted remarks.
Throughout his speech, Biden defended his administration’s handling of the economy, citing job growth, a return to full employment, and a soft landing for inflation as key achievements. Yet, despite these successes, many voters remained focused on high prices for groceries and fuel, challenges Biden attributed to pandemic aftershocks and the war in Ukraine. These factors fueled criticisms from both sides of the aisle, overshadowing his economic policies, dubbed “Bidenomics.”
As the transition of power approaches, Biden warned against a return to “trickle-down economics,” referencing the incoming administration’s plans to extend tax cuts favoring corporations and the wealthy. He argued that his economic strategies had proven effective, urging future leaders to learn from the past. Despite mixed public opinion, Biden remains steadfast in his belief that his policies strengthened the U.S. economy, leaving a robust foundation for his successor.
