Americans are likely to face a choice this fall between two presidential candidates they don’t particularly want. The reasons for voter dissatisfaction are clear: Poll respondents believe Joe Biden is too old and they have long had concerns about Donald Trump’s judgment and character, a majority also considering him too old.
Still, if the past eight years have shown us anything, it’s that the differences in governance between a Trump administration and a Biden administration are not subtle—particularly in areas like foreign policy and economics—and most importantly, the destruction another Trump presidency could do to this country is unthinkable.
Donald Trump’s Economic Record
During Trump’s presidency, the economy experienced moderate growth and low inflation. Inflation rates under Trump were relatively stable, starting at 2.1% in 2017 and declining to 1.2% by 2020. While Trump’s administration added an average of 177,000 jobs per month, national debt also increased by $8.4 trillion, driven by federal spending on COVID-19 relief and tax cuts. Trump’s signature legislative achievement was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which disproportionately cut the corporate tax and taxes for the wealthy which increased the national deficit.
Joe Biden’s Economic Record
In contrast, Biden’s tenure has seen more robust job growth and major economic recovery efforts. Inflation surged to 8.0% in 2022 due to post-pandemic supply chain issues but has since decreased to 4.1% in 2023. Job creation under Biden has been notable, with an average of 409,000 new positions per month. Biden’s administration has added an estimated $4.8 trillion to the debt, but this includes significant investments in infrastructure and social programs. The Inflation Reduction Act introduced new tax credits for electric vehicles and clean energy improvements, along with an additional $80 billion for the IRS.
Trump’s Immigration Policies
Trump’s presidency had very stringent immigration measures. He implemented the “Remain in Mexico” policy, invoked Title 42 to expel migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic and set record-low limits for new U.S. refugees. His administration built fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border and banned nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries.
Biden’s Immigration Policies
Biden has reversed several of Trump’s policies, including ending the “Remain in Mexico” program. However, his administration faced challenges with record-high monthly migrant encounters. Biden approved further construction of the border wall in response to immediate needs.
Trump’s Health Care Policies
Trump’s efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act were unsuccessful, though he did propose changes to Medicaid funding and signed executive orders to reduce prescription drug prices. His administration also signed the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s presidency saw the appointment of three Supreme Court justices who were instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade.
Biden’s Health Care Policies
Under Biden, the Inflation Reduction Act has initiated price negotiations for Medicare Part D drugs and introduced measures to increase transparency and competition in the Medicare insurance market. Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion stimulus package, to accelerate the post-pandemic recovery and enhance healthcare provisions. Biden has opposed the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Trump’s Foreign Policy
Trump’s foreign policy was a series of bold moves, including withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and engaging directly with North Korea. His administration also withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization.
Biden’s Foreign Policy
Biden has navigated complex international challenges terribly. Examples include the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the current funding to Israel. Biden has also re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist group and reaffirmed support for Israel while advocating for a two-state solution.
As voters weigh their options, the choice is clear: Joe Biden’s presidency presents a more promising, and less fascist, path forward for the United States.
