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Has Donald Trump been a good president?
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Trump has managed the economy successfully

Prior to the COVID-19 related global recession, the economy under President Trump was the strongest it had been since the 2008 Financial Crisis. Unemployment rates were low, and the stock market had record gains.
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The Argument

Prior to the current COVID-19 related global recession, the USA economy under Donald Trump's presidency was considered at its strongest since the 2008 Financial Crisis. In January 2020 unemployment figures in the USA were at a half a century low[1] and unemployment amongst African-Americans and Hispanic Americans in September 2019 hit the lowest point since records began.[2] Under Trump the US Stock Market hit record highs responding to his administration's tax cuts and business friendly policies. The US Stock Market closed out 2019 with record gains for key US Stocks including the Dow Jones being up by 23 per cent, the S&P 500 index up by 29 per cent, and the Nasdaq Composite up by 36 per cent.[3]

Counter arguments

Donald Trump ran for election on a promise to reduce the national debate. However, on his watch the national debt has spiralled out of control, rising by $3 trillion in just three years. Under Trump the federal deficit has also grown to the fifth-highest level in U.S. history. Trump's tax cuts have led to lower corporation tax receipts for the Treasury and he has increased spending, particularly on the military, without raising taxes to pay for it.

Premises

[P1] The economy has become stronger under Trump. [P2] This demonstrates he is a good president.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Trump has not universally made the economy stronger - he has increased spending and the national debt.

References

  1. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-06/u-s-jobs-report-to-contrast-healthy-2020-start-with-weaker-past
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-45827430
  3. https://www.barrons.com/articles/dow-jones-industrial-average-closes-at-record-high-good-luck-next-year-51577491993
This page was last edited on Wednesday, 16 Sep 2020 at 07:34 UTC

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