In the middle of 2015, Donald Trump confidently declared himself to be the future “greatest jobs president” in history when he entered the race for the U.S. presidency.
Throughout his campaign, the Republican mogul relentlessly pushed this narrative, attributing the nation’s decline in manufacturing jobs to the Democrats and assuring audiences, such as those in Detroit and Warren, Michigan, that he would single-handedly resurrect American manufacturing, promising, “If I’m elected… you won’t lose one plant.”
However, the reality under Trump’s presidency was starkly different. Throughout his four-year tenure, the United States hemorrhaged a staggering 2.7 million jobs, marking him as the sole president since 1939 to oversee a net loss in employment.
Comparatively, Trump’s job creation performance paled compared to that of his predecessors. While other presidents like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Joe Biden, and Lyndon Johnson boasted significant job gains, Trump fell far behind. Even Barack Obama, often criticized by Trump, managed to add 11.6 million jobs during his tenure.
Trump’s advocates often cite the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. Yet, his administration’s mishandling of the crisis only exacerbated its toll.
Even before the pandemic hit, employment growth during Trump’s presidency was lackluster compared to that of his successors, such as Biden.
During his 2016 campaign, Trump tantalized voters with promises of a $1 trillion federal infrastructure program to revitalize America’s crumbling infrastructure.
However, this plan never materialized under his presidency. Instead, Trump prioritized a $1.9 trillion tax cut benefiting corporations and the wealthy, claiming it would spur job creation. Yet, this legislation failed to deliver, with business investments declining and layoffs persisting.
Despite Trump’s rhetoric on reviving manufacturing, the nation saw a net loss of 154,000 manufacturing jobs during his presidency.
His administration’s tariff wars and tax policies further contributed to the decline, exacerbating long-standing issues in U.S. manufacturing.
In the heartland of factory towns, disillusionment ran deep as promises of job salvation turned to dust. Plants like Rexnord steel bearings in Indianapolis shuttered despite Trump’s assurances, leaving hundreds unemployed.
Similarly, General Motors’ closure of its Lordstown, Ohio plant left thousands jobless, while Trump boasted of manufacturing miracles.
Ultimately, Trump’s legacy as a “jobs president” was marred by broken promises, fitting for a man known for his catchphrase, “You’re fired!”