Trump’s Economic Blame Game: Why the GDP Drop Is Still “Sort of Biden’s” Fault

The U.S. economy recently faced a setback, and former President Donald Trump has been quick to assign blame—just not to himself. During a Cabinet meeting on April 30, 2025, Trump addressed the latest GDP figures, which revealed a 0.3% decline in the first quarter of the year. This marks the weakest economic performance since early 2022, outside of the pandemic-driven downturn in 2020. Yet despite having been in office since January, Trump insists the responsibility lies with his predecessor, President Joe Biden.

A Shrinking Economy and Shifting Blame

The GDP drop has drawn attention, particularly because it’s only the third decline in the past decade, excluding 2020. Trump’s reaction, however, has been anything but conventional. He argued that the numbers reflect lingering effects of Biden’s policies, suggesting the economy hasn’t fully adjusted to his administration. He even joked that if GDP falls again in the second quarter, it would still be “sort of Biden’s” fault.

This isn’t the first time Trump has shifted blame while claiming credit for positive trends. In January 2024, when the stock market rallied under Biden, Trump dubbed it the “Trump Stock Market,” attributing the surge to investor optimism about his potential return to the White House. By early 2025, he again took credit for pre-inauguration market gains, calling it the “Trump effect.”

Tariffs and Recession Fears

Trump’s economic strategy has heavily relied on sweeping tariffs, which he acknowledges might cause short-term disruptions. Economists, however, are less optimistic. Torsten Slok of Apollo Global Management warned of a potential “Voluntary Trade Reset Recession,” estimating a 90% chance of economic contraction due to trade policy upheavals.

The administration’s other moves—such as cutting federal jobs and reducing government spending—have also sparked concerns. While Trump remains confident in his long-term vision, experts warn these policies could deepen the economic slump.

Notable Quotes and Reactions

Trump’s messaging has been consistent in one regard: deflecting responsibility. On Truth Social, he posted, “This is Biden’s stock market… He left us with bad numbers.” During the Cabinet meeting, he reiterated, “The next quarter is sort of Biden.”

Analysts are closely monitoring the situation. With slowing inflation and temporary tariff relief for automakers, the economic outlook remains uncertain.

The Bottom Line

Trump’s approach to the economy blends bold claims with blame-shifting. He’s quick to take credit for gains but equally swift to deflect responsibility for setbacks. As recession fears grow, one thing is clear: the debate over who’s truly steering the economy—and who’s at fault when it falters—is far from settled.