To the Editor:
I am writing to address the recent claims made by former President Donald Trump during his interview at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on July 31, 2024. As a supporter of Trump and someone who believes in dealing with facts, I want to highlight how his administration’s economic and business policies significantly lowered unemployment rates, particularly for African-Americans.
When President Trump took office in January 2017, his administration’s policies took the already recovering economy to the next level. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, which reduced the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, was a game-changer. This move encouraged businesses to invest more in the U.S., leading to job creation and economic growth. Trump’s commitment to deregulation made it easier for businesses to operate and expand, particularly in industries like energy and finance, where significant rollbacks in burdensome regulations were implemented.
During the Trump administration, the average annual rate of change in Black unemployment was -11.55%, compared to -8.64% during the Obama administration. This faster reduction was a direct result of policies designed to boost economic activity and job growth. Additionally, the unemployment rate fell for all Americans, highlighting the broad impact of these policies.
Trump’s trade policies, such as imposing tariffs on imports and renegotiating NAFTA into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), played a crucial role in protecting American jobs and industries from unfair foreign competition. The Opportunity Zones created under the TCJA provided tax incentives for investments in economically distressed areas, many of which are home to large African-American populations, spurring economic development and job creation in these communities.
As the 2024 election approaches, it is important to consider the impact of current policies. The Biden administration has introduced policies that have led to record inflation and high taxes, stymying economic growth. Furthermore, Vice President Kamala Harris supports these policies and has advocated for even more extreme leftist measures, which would likely exacerbate the economic challenges and job market issues we currently face. By voting for Trump in 2024, we can reverse these detrimental policies. Trump has a proven track record of fostering economic growth through tax cuts, deregulation, and protective trade measures. Returning to these policies, and potentially improving upon them, can revive the economy, lower inflation, and reduce unemployment rates for everyone, including African-Americans.
In conclusion, the facts back up former President Trump’s claim that his administration’s policies fostered economic growth and reduced unemployment rates. By voting for him in 2024, we can restore and enhance the policies that led to prosperity for all Americans.
Scott Barrish
Ocala, FL