Bogus Claims by The White House Press Secretary | When Karoline Leavitt, white press secretary for Trump’s second term, confidently stepped up to the podium and proclaimed, “Look at President Trump’s results in his first term. If people are looking for certainty, they should look at the record of this president,” many political observers were left scratching their heads. The bold assertion from Leavitt, aimed at defending Trump’s legacy, feels increasingly out of touch with the reality of what his first term actually delivered.
While the country finds itself once again facing economic turmoil just weeks into Trump’s second presidency, it’s impossible to overlook the fact that his first term was marred by a series of missteps that set the stage for the current crisis. If certainty is what we are seeking, Leavitt’s blind defense of Trump’s record may be the last place we should look.
While the country now by some scholarly standard is already on the brink of recession within the first few weeks of his second term, it’s time to reflect on the very first term that laid the foundation for this catastrophe.Let’s dive into the actual record of Trump’s first term and how his administration’s series of failures still reverberate today.
The White House Press Secretary’s Claims Vs. A Tumultuous Economic Legacy
One of the central pieces of Leavitt’s defense is the argument that Trump’s first term brought about economic success. However, that narrative quickly crumbles when we examine the full picture. Trump’s economic policy was characterized by instability, uncertainty, and, most importantly, job losses—a phenomenon that set the stage long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bogus Claims by The White House Press Secretary | During his first term, Trump took credit for a booming economy, but that was largely due to the tailwinds from his predecessors’ policies. His aggressive trade wars, particularly with China, wreaked havoc on global supply chains and increased costs for American consumers. The tariffs imposed on products ranging from electronics to food disrupted industries, leading to market instability. It wasn’t long before the results of this self-inflicted economic turmoil began to show. By the time COVID-19 hit, unemployment rates were already on the rise, and the recession that had been brewing for years accelerated.
Additionally, Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in 2017, resulted in massive budget deficits that ballooned the national debt to unsustainable levels. While corporations and the wealthy saw substantial tax cuts, the broader public saw little benefit. By 2019, the federal deficit had increased by nearly 50%, pushing the national debt to a staggering $27.75 trillion. It’s no wonder that economic uncertainty persisted throughout his first term.
The Disastrous COVID-19 Response
Bogus Claims by The White House Press Secretary | However, no discussion of Trump’s first term can avoid mentioning his catastrophic handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. If Leavitt is looking for certainty in the Trump record, she need look no further than the pandemic—where the response was nothing short of disastrous. From early downplaying of the virus as a “hoax” to failing to mobilize a coordinated federal response, Trump’s handling of the pandemic will forever be a stain on his administration.
The first critical error was Trump’s early dismissal of the virus. He repeatedly downplayed its severity, calling it an exaggerated threat or something that would “go away on its own.” While other nations were already ramping up their response, the United States faltered, with Trump failing to implement widespread testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution in the crucial early days. This delay, particularly in states like New York, led to catastrophic consequences—hospitals became overwhelmed, and deaths mounted.
Then came the mixed messaging. Trump frequently contradicted public health officials, downplaying the importance of mask-wearing and social distancing. Meanwhile, he held large rallies and defied health guidelines, encouraging a disregard for public safety. Trump’s promotion of unproven treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, put countless lives at risk and deepened the confusion surrounding the virus.
By the time vaccines were developed, Trump’s administration struggled with the rollout. While Operation Warp Speed made strides in vaccine development, the distribution process was chaotic. States faced significant logistical challenges, and the rollout was far slower than anticipated, with many Americans waiting months to receive their shots. In total, the U.S. lost over 400,000 lives due to COVID-19 by the time Trump left office—largely a result of his inaction and disjointed leadership.
The White House Press Secretary’s Claims Vs. Chaotic Foreign Policy
While the economy and COVID-19 were the domestic disasters of Trump’s first term, his foreign policy was a mess of unpredictability and international alienation. Trump’s approach to global relations, based on “America First,” often meant ignoring traditional allies and withdrawing from international agreements. His decision to pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, as well as his strained relationship with NATO allies, sent a clear message: America was retreating from global leadership.
One of the most damaging moves was his trade war with China, which caused volatility in markets worldwide. In addition to raising tariffs, Trump’s policies alienated Canada and Mexico, and left businesses scrambling to adjust to unpredictable trade barriers. Instead of fostering strong international relations, Trump’s foreign policy led to confusion and instability, and in many cases, drove away the very allies the U.S. had long relied upon.
The White House Press Secretary’s Claims: Environmental Recklessness
Trump’s stance on environmental issues was equally reckless. His administration rolled back over 100 environmental regulations, making it easier for businesses to pollute and causing significant setbacks in the fight against climate change. These actions were seen as a betrayal by environmentalists and scientists who had long warned of the dire consequences of global warming.
From reducing the scope of the Clean Power Plan to loosening restrictions on oil and gas drilling, Trump’s approach to the environment was rooted in short-term gains for the fossil fuel industry, at the expense of long-term sustainability. By rejecting the Paris Climate Agreement and gutting environmental protections, Trump solidified his legacy as one of the least environmentally responsible presidents in recent history.
Health Care: A Missed Opportunity
Bogus Claims by The White House Press Secretary | Trump’s first term also saw a failure to address healthcare in any meaningful way. His administration made several attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which would have stripped millions of Americans of their healthcare coverage. While Republicans failed to pass a replacement, their constant efforts to dismantle the ACA destabilized the healthcare market and left millions more uninsured.
At the same time, the Trump administration actively undermined efforts to expand healthcare access. Trump’s refusal to increase funding for enrollment or extend the enrollment periods for the ACA meant that millions of Americans lost access to affordable healthcare. By the end of his first term, 4.6 million more Americans found themselves uninsured—a direct result of Trump’s lackluster healthcare policies.
Immigration: A Divisive Agenda
Bogus Claims by The White House Press Secretary | Trump’s approach to immigration was another controversial aspect of his first term. His policies, from the travel ban on Muslim-majority countries to the border wall with Mexico, were aimed at stoking fear and division. The travel ban sparked widespread protests and condemnation, while his family separation policy at the border drew international outrage for its inhumane treatment of migrant families.
Trump’s harsh stance on immigration was rooted in xenophobia and a desire to rally his base, but it did nothing to address the real issues facing the U.S. immigration system. Instead of pursuing comprehensive reform, Trump’s policies served only to deepen divisions and embolden far-right extremists.
A Record of Failure
Bogus Claims by The White House Press Secretary | While Karoline Leavitt may tout Trump’s first term as a record of results, the reality is far less impressive. Trump’s economic policies, foreign policy blunders, environmental deregulation, failed healthcare efforts, and disastrous COVID-19 response all contributed to a legacy of mismanagement and missed opportunities. As the U.S. faces yet another economic downturn under his second term, it’s clear that Trump’s first term set the stage for this chaos. Looking at his record, one is left with more questions than answers—and certainly no “certainty” to cling to.
