Trump had some strong words.
Former President Donald Trump is firmly distancing himself from the recent rise in inflation, insisting that the uptick has “nothing to do” with his time in office or his potential return to the White House. Instead, he placed full blame on President Joe Biden’s administration, accusing it of reckless government spending.
In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, alongside tech mogul Elon Musk, Trump highlighted the unsustainable fiscal policies during Biden’s presidency. “Inflation is back,” Trump said, adding that critics were quick to link the issue to his administration. “But I didn’t have anything to do with that,” he continued. “These folks have run the nation. They spent money shocking amounts of money. They were handed almost $10 trillion and just burned it.”
Trump pointed specifically to the Green New Deal and other major pieces of legislation signed into law under Biden, calling them part of “the greatest scam in the history of the country.” While he did not directly name the Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, it’s clear that Trump views Biden’s spending agenda as a primary driver of the current economic woes.
Recent data confirms Trump’s claims, as inflation in the U.S. has accelerated, with the Consumer Price Index rising by 3% in January alone. The cost of essentials like gasoline, groceries, and rent has continued to climb, putting further strain on American families. This inflationary pressure comes despite promises made by the Biden administration to rein in costs.
Trump also took the opportunity to praise Musk for his efforts to address wasteful government spending. The Tesla CEO’s newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency recently uncovered $55 billion in potential savings, and Trump believes Musk could ultimately identify $1 trillion in cuts. “I think he’s going to find a lot more,” Trump asserted, pointing to government contracts that may be “crooked.”
As inflation continues to impact Americans across the country, Trump’s criticism of Biden’s economic policies only grows louder. He remains adamant that his leadership would bring a more balanced approach to government spending and set the U.S. back on track.