Former President Donald Trump held a news conference at his New Jersey golf club, attacking his Democratic opponents with falsehoods about the economy and personal attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris. Let’s dig into the facts.
Trump’s claim of inflation costing households $28,000 was exaggerated. Independent estimates put the figure at $709 a month due to price increases. The economy was already surging when Biden took office, with growth hitting 5.8% in 2021, higher than any year under Trump. Mortgage rates were low due to the pandemic, and gas prices fell as Americans drove less.
Regarding job creation, Trump falsely claimed that 100% went to migrants. While the number of foreign-born people with jobs increased, it does not equate to migrants. The data, based on Census research, undercounts both foreign and native-born workers. Native-born employment also rose, and native-born Americans have a lower unemployment rate.
Trump misinterpreted California regulations when he claimed people could steal up to $950. Proposition 47 raised the minimum for theft to be prosecuted as a felony to $950 to comply with a Supreme Court order to reduce state prison population.
Harris did not call to defund the police during her current campaign, although she showed support for the movement after George Floyd’s murder. The Biden administration attempted police reform, but the legislation stalled, leading to an executive order and increased funding for departments.
Trump falsely claimed victory in Pennsylvania in 2020. While he won in 2016, he lost to Biden in 2020. U.S. oil production hit a record high under Biden, and the economy is showing signs of strength, contrary to Trump’s warnings of a crash like 1929 under Democratic leadership.
Harris was not appointed border ‘czar,’ as Trump claimed. She was assigned to work with Central American countries on migration issues. Black and Hispanic unemployment levels dropped to record lows under Trump but rose due to COVID. Under Biden, Black unemployment hit a new record low of 4.8% in April 2023, and Hispanic unemployment matched its all-time low under Trump.
