Analyzing Trump's Inheritance of a Slowing Economy: How Economic Momentum Shifted
When Donald Trump took office in January 2017, the United States economy was in an overall positive state, largely benefiting from a steady recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. However, behind this recovery lay underlying factors that made the economy vulnerable to disruption. The economy was experiencing prolonged expansion but was already displaying signs of slowing by the time Trump assumed the presidency. One major factor contributing to the eventual economic challenges was the waning momentum of global growth. The post-crisis boom had largely run its course, and key economic sectors in the U.S., such as manufacturing and agriculture, were beginning to show signs of strain due to international competition, shifting demand, and technology-driven disruptions. Additionally, the Federal Reserve had begun to raise interest rates to prevent the economy from overheating, a move that further tightened financial conditions for consumers and businesses alike. Trump’s eco...