WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden expressed on Tuesday that he regretted not putting his name on pandemic relief checks back in 2021, stating that it was an oversight not to follow the example set by Donald Trump in 2020. Biden pointed out that Trump’s action likely helped him gain recognition for his support of Americans during the pandemic, which he described as a straightforward yet impactful marketing move.
In a speech at the Brookings Institution, Biden defended his economic achievements while also issuing a challenge to Trump regarding the continuation of Democratic policies should Trump reclaim the presidency next month. As he reflected on his own legacy in the final stages of his term, Biden encouraged Trump to maintain the positive strides made by Democrats and disregard the influences of his allies.
While highlighting several positive economic indicators, Biden candidly admitted his rare moment of regret, acknowledging that he could have promoted the financial assistance his administration provided more effectively as the nation began to recover from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden remarked. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks… and I didn’t. Stupid.”
The decision made by Trump, a former reality TV personality and real estate mogul, to have his name printed on the checks sent to millions of Americans in financial distress marked a historic first for presidential names appearing on IRS payments.
Despite Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s efforts to communicate the strength of the economy, they struggled to sway public opinion. Evidence of job growth, infrastructure funding, and advancements in renewable energy did not counterbalance the public’s concerns over the inflation that surged in 2022, resulting in higher prices for groceries, gasoline, and housing for many households.
In November’s election, over 60% of voters reported viewing the economy as either “poor” or “not so good,” according to a comprehensive survey. Trump garnered support from nearly 70% of those who felt the economy was in a dire state, setting the stage for a potential comeback after his previous defeat by Biden in 2020.
During his remarks, Biden asserted that Trump would be assuming control of a robust economy that is admired globally. He noted that inflation had decreased without triggering a recession, which many economists had predicted, and the unemployment rate stood at a healthy 4.2%, alongside record numbers of new business applications.
Biden described the economic data collected during his presidency as “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” He remarked, “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” while cautioning that Trump’s anticipated tax cuts could lead to significant budget deficits or severe reductions in public spending.
The president also criticized Trump’s proposal to implement broad tariffs on foreign imports, which have been touted by Trump and his supporters. Biden’s administration issued warnings against such tariffs, highlighting the potential for increased consumer prices. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen echoed these concerns at a summit, emphasizing that most economists agree that broad tariffs would likely inflate costs for American consumers.
Furthermore, Biden took aim at Trump’s supporters and their blueprint known as Project 2025, which seeks a comprehensive overhaul of the federal government. While Trump has distanced himself from this initiative, parts of the plan align with the views of his allies in areas such as economics, immigration, education, and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden stated firmly. “I think it would be an economic disaster.”
