Rep. Connolly: Trump Inherited a Strong Economy from Biden but Creates Uncertainty
On Thursday’s CNN News Central, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) weighed in on the latest jobs report, arguing that former President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have fostered economic instability despite inheriting a robust economy from President Joe Biden.
“I think we put it right at the doorstep of Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk,” Connolly stated. “They’ve created so much uncertainty about an economy that was strong when he was inaugurated. Trump inherited a very strong economy from Joe Biden. Biden doesn’t get the credit, but he deserves it.”
Connolly criticized Trump and Musk for what he described as reckless actions in the past six weeks, claiming they have “gone through the federal government with a chainsaw” and disrupted long-standing economic and diplomatic relationships.
He further warned that Trump’s tariff policies—imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% on China—are stalling business expansion and hiring. “These are our biggest trading partners,” Connolly said. “So, it’s not a surprise that the economy is reacting—and negatively.”