White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a robust defense of President Donald Trump’s economic policies in a press briefing that rebuffed claims from liberal media suggesting he is responsible for an “affordability” crisis. These assertions, she argued, were off-base, particularly as recent polling indicates that inflation and the economy rank among the most pressing concerns for voters. Despite claims to the contrary, inflation has recently stabilized around 3 percent, significantly lower than the heights reached during President Joe Biden’s administration, where it soared to over 9 percent.
Leavitt pointedly noted, “It’s ironic that the affordability issue is receiving so much media attention now, when it hardly garnered any focus during Biden’s tenure at a record high inflation rate.” Indeed, her comments shed light on the escalating cost of living that spiked under Biden’s watch, driven largely by expansive fiscal policies like the American Rescue Plan. These initiatives, funded through borrowed funds and increased money supply, triggered warning bells. As former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers pointed out, this kind of spending could lead to “inflationary pressures of a kind we have not seen in a generation.” These sentiments were echoed by Steven Rattner, a former Treasury official, who labeled the American Rescue Plan as the “original sin” of the inflation crisis.
Leavitt’s arguments point to a clear contrast between the economic strategies of the Trump and Biden administrations. The press secretary highlighted that, under Trump, the focus has been on reducing taxes and deregulating industries to spur growth. For example, she touted the largest middle-class tax cuts in American history, designed to return more money to the pockets of everyday Americans. “President Trump has unleashed American energy production,” Leavitt added, tying energy prices directly to inflation. By boosting domestic energy supply, the goal is to lower cost pressures across the economy.
Echoing this sentiment, economic expert Larry Kudlow emphasized the difference in approach between the Republicans and Democrats. He pointed to the damaging impact of Biden’s policies, saying, “The tax hikes and environmental restrictions are suppressing the supply side of the economy.” By contrast, the Reagan-era framework of supply-side economics showed that reducing taxes and stimulating production could effectively combat and reduce inflation.
Leavitt’s comments also highlighted critical initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare costs. She stated, “The president has been working around the clock on this issue,” indicating a commitment to negotiating better deals for Americans in the pharmaceutical space. This focus on healthcare is particularly noteworthy as it addresses another significant concern for voters.
In wrapping up her remarks, Leavitt offered a cautious outlook for the future, noting, “There’s much more work to do, and this administration will continue to do it.” Her concluding thoughts encapsulated a positive vision for the administration’s economic agenda. As the midterm elections approach, she expressed hope that supporters will recognize the progress made thus far in reversing the economic difficulties rooted in the policies of the previous administration.
In sum, Leavitt’s briefing performed dual functions: it defended Trump’s economic record against Democratic criticism and illustrated a clear roadmap for potential future successes. The comparison with past administrations, particularly the success seen during Reagan’s presidency, serves as both a critique of current policies and a call to return to what has historically proven effective.
"*" indicates required fields
