The Wall Street Journal has issued a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump, cautioning him against shifting responsibility for sluggish economic growth onto former President Joe Biden and the Federal Reserve. The warning comes after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed a historic 911,000-job downward revision, sparking fresh political clashes over accountability. While the Trump administration insists the revision proves Biden’s failures, critics say deflecting blame may not hold for long.
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Job Growth Revision
The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced a 911,000-job downward revision, the largest on record. The Trump White House seized on the announcement, claiming it validated Trump’s longstanding criticism of Biden’s economic record. “Today, the BLS released the largest downward revision on record, proving that Trump was right: Biden’s economy was a disaster and the BLS is broken,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
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White House Defense
Leavitt doubled down on the administration’s position, asserting the revision confirmed the need for changes at the agency. “This is exactly why we need new leadership to restore trust and confidence in the BLS’s data on behalf of the financial markets, businesses, policymakers, and families that rely on this data to make major decisions,” she argued. The administration’s push has ignited debate over whether the BLS has lost credibility.
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WSJ’s Strong Warning
The Wall Street Journal editorial board dismissed Trump’s strategy of attributing the country’s economic malaise solely to Biden and the Federal Reserve. “Blaming Biden and the Federal Reserve for slow growth won’t work forever,” the paper wrote, adding that Trump “finds vindication wherever he looks.” The Journal stressed that persistent blame-shifting risks undermining confidence in Trump’s own economic stewardship.
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Tariffs Under Fire
Trump has long touted tariffs as central to his economic policy, but analysts argue they have restrained growth instead of fostering it. Economists point to slowed hiring and rising costs as evidence that tariffs may be stifling the very job creation Trump promises. This critique has added to skepticism over his economic approach, even among traditionally conservative voices.
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Federal Reserve Pressure
Leavitt’s comments also targeted Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. “Much like the BLS has failed the American people, so has Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell, who has officially run out of excuses and must cut the rates now,” she said. The administration has repeatedly pressured the Fed to reduce interest rates amid mounting signs of economic stagnation.
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Future Policy Outlook
The Federal Reserve is weighing potential rate cuts as uncertainty persists, but the Wall Street Journal suggested Trump must prioritize policies that encourage business investment and job creation rather than leaning on political attacks. The editorial board underscored the importance of restoring confidence in economic management while avoiding distractions that may weaken long-term growth prospects.