The US economy has shown remarkable resilience during Donald Trump's presidency, with substantial growth indicators that would typically draw positive public sentiment.Yet, a significant portion of the American public remains skeptical about the state of the economy and Trump's role in its performance.This paradox raises the question: why doesn't he receive more credit?Recent data provides a compelling picture of economic strength.The Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed the 50,000-point milestone for the first time on February 6, 2026, and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have each gained over 10% in the past year.
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usatoday.comAdditionally, more than 75% of S&P 500 companies reported year-over-year earnings growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a robust economy despite fears of recession.
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usatoday.comyahoo.comThe job market also appears stable, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the addition of 130,000 jobs in January and a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.3%.
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usatoday.comyahoo.comReal incomes are on the rise, with average weekly earnings increasing by 1.9% from January 2025 to January 2026, and inflation is at its lowest rate since 2021.
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usatoday.comyahoo.comDespite these positive indicators, many Americans do not feel optimistic about the economy.A Gallup poll revealed a stark partisan divide, with 82% of Republicans believing the economy will grow, compared to only 24% of Democrats.
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usatoday.comyahoo.comThis divide contributes to the phenomenon termed "vibecession," where the public's perception of the economy does not align with the actual data, leading to a disconnect between economic growth and public sentiment.
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usatoday.comTrump's rhetoric may be a significant factor in this disconnect.His tendency to make bold claims about economic growth, such as predicting the Dow would reach 100,000 points by the end of his second term, often backfires by raising expectations that can lead to disappointment if not met.
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yahoo.comFurthermore, his inconsistent approach to tariffs can create uncertainty in the business environment, which is detrimental to economic stability and growth.
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usatoday.comCritics argue that Trump's economic policies primarily benefit the wealthy, leaving ordinary Americans behind.However, economists like Barclays' Marc Giannoni assert that wealth has increased across various demographics, disputing the narrative that only the affluent are thriving under Trump's policies.
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usatoday.comThe data suggests that while the economy is growing, the benefits may not be evenly distributed, contributing to public discontent despite overall economic improvements.Historical comparisons can provide additional context.For instance, while Bill Clinton's presidency experienced significant economic growth, the unemployment rate at that time was higher than it is now under Trump, and inflation rates also differed favorably for Trump.
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usatoday.comyahoo.comThis suggests that an objective evaluation of economic performance should consider various metrics beyond public perception.Ultimately, the reasons behind the lack of credit for Trump's economic performance are complex and multifaceted.Trump's polarizing nature and the partisan divide in public opinion play substantial roles in shaping perceptions of his presidency.Furthermore, while the economy shows signs of resilience and growth, the challenge remains for the administration to communicate these successes effectively to a skeptical public.In conclusion, while Trump's economic policies have resulted in notable achievements—such as a strong stock market, low unemployment, and rising incomes—the perception gap among the American public illustrates the challenges of leadership in a divided political landscape.Moving forward, it will be crucial for the administration to address these perceptions and ensure that the economic benefits translate to a more widespread sense of prosperity among all Americans.
