US an "economic miracle": Trump in WSJ op-ed claims skeptics of tariffs "were all wrong"
Washington DC, January 31
In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has justified his sweeping tariffs on other countries, stating that they "brought America back" while dismissing their ripple effects on the nations, saying they were "doing just fine.".
In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal on Friday, Trump said, "When I imposed historic tariffs on nearly all foreign countries last April, the critics said my policies would cause a global economic meltdown," Trump wrote. "Instead, they have created an American economic miracle, and we are quickly building the greatest economy in the history of the world, with other countries doing just fine!"
The US president said in a barrage of tall claims that his 'sleepy' predecessor handed him a ravaged economy, and he was accused of triggering a "worldwide recession" through his policies.
"Nine months later, the results are in, every one of those predictions has proven completely and totally wrong. Since I was elected in 2024, we have had 52 stock market highs, with virtually no inflation. There has never been anything like it!" Trump's opinion piece stated, adding that the American economy had low inflation at 1.4% and is growing at 4.4%.
Trump's Wall Street Journal opinion piece said that economic growth lowers inflation, and the real incomes for American workers rose by USD 1,000 to USD 2,000.
"Since "Liberation Day," the stock market has skyrocketed, with the strong possibility that we will soon break 50,000 on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, something which everyone thought was impossible, at least in one year!" Trump opined in The Wall Street Journal.
Trump further said that his administration "cut federal budget deficit by a staggering 27% in a single year, and even more incredibly, we have slashed our monthly trade deficit by an astonishing 77%--all with virtually no inflation," as quoted in The Wall Street Journal.
He then touted his trade deals with China, the UK, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and others as the antidote to 'retaliation' to the American economy and said they expanded their effect into the realm of economic security.
It still remains unclear as to what Trump means with this, he said, "Just over one year ago, we were a "DEAD" country. Now, we are the "HOTTEST" country anywhere in the world!"
He further said that using tariffs like a dog with a bone, he solved wars between countries, falsely claiming mediation between India and Pakistan.
"It is simply undeniable that my tariffs have strengthened our national security immeasurably. Nowhere has this been clearer than when it comes to our historic achievements in making PEACE. In nine months, I settled eight raging conflicts, WARS, and tariffs deserve much of the credit, including helping settle the extremely dangerous and deadly conflict between India and Pakistan," he said.
Trump then said that skeptics of his tariffs at the media house should put on his "favorite red hats--the one that reads, "TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING!"."
— ANI
Reader Comments
The numbers he's quoting are impressive if true. 4.4% growth with low inflation is a dream for any economy. But claiming to solve eight wars in nine months? That sounds more like political theatre than policy. The world doesn't work that fast.
His tone is so boastful! 😅 Even if the US economy is doing well, saying other countries are "doing just fine" after imposing tariffs on them is a bit rich. Protectionist policies have ripple effects. I hope India's trade negotiators are prepared for any fallout.
As an Indian businessman who exports to the US, I have a different view. The uncertainty around tariffs is a constant headache. It makes long-term planning very difficult. A "strong" US economy is good, but not if it comes at the cost of global trade stability.
The part about "Liberation Day" and calling the country "DEAD" before him is pure propaganda. Every leader inherits challenges. India has seen steady growth through different governments because of strong institutions, not just one person's policies. That's the model to follow.
I appreciate the confidence, but respectfully, the op-ed lacks nuance. Economic miracles are rarely the work of a single policy like tariffs. They result from a complex mix of factors, including global conditions. Taking sole credit ignores the contributions of businesses, workers, and yes, previous administrations.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.