elpais.com
US Economy Contracts 2.8% Amid Trump's Erratic Policies
The Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank projects a 2.8% contraction in the US GDP during the first quarter of 2025, primarily attributed to President Trump's erratic economic policies, including tariffs and protectionism, which have negatively impacted consumer confidence and spending, resulting in a record trade deficit.
- How have President Trump's economic policies contributed to the current economic slowdown?
- Consumer confidence has plummeted, reaching its lowest point since November 2022, reflecting widespread pessimism across political affiliations. The increased trade deficit, driven by businesses preemptively importing goods to avoid tariffs, further contributes to the economic slowdown. This decline in confidence is impacting consumer spending, a key driver of US economic growth.
- What is the current state of the US economy, and what are the immediate consequences of this economic performance?
- The US economy contracted at a 2.8% annualized rate in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank's GDPNow model. This is largely due to President Trump's erratic economic policies, including tariffs and protectionist threats, which have weakened consumer confidence and increased the trade deficit. The model is sensitive to new data, and the figure represents a downward revision from earlier estimates.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the current economic trends, and what actions could mitigate the risks of a recession?
- The current economic downturn could foreshadow a recession in 2026. The combination of decreased consumer confidence, a widening trade deficit, and the impact of Trump's protectionist policies creates a concerning economic outlook. The lack of a coherent economic policy, coupled with uncertainty surrounding trade, further exacerbates the risks.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraphs immediately establish a negative tone, framing the economic situation as a direct result of President Trump's "erratic decisions." This sets a negative frame and influences the reader's perception before presenting any data. The sequencing emphasizes negative indicators and expert opinions that support this negative framing. The article uses loaded language to depict Trump's policies as "malbaratando" (squandering) and "erráticas" (erratic), reinforcing the negative narrative.
Language Bias
The article employs several loaded terms and phrases that convey a negative connotation, such as "erráticas decisiones" (erratic decisions), "malbaratando la herencia" (squandering the legacy), and "desplomó" (plummeted). These terms carry a strong negative charge and influence the reader's perception. Neutral alternatives could include "unconventional policies," "economic policies," and "declined." The repeated emphasis on negative economic indicators further reinforces the negative tone.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on negative economic indicators and the impact of President Trump's policies, potentially omitting positive economic news or alternative perspectives that might offer a more balanced view. While acknowledging the limitations of space, the lack of counterarguments or positive economic data weakens the overall neutrality.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between Trump's economic policies and the previous positive economic growth under Biden. The reality is likely far more nuanced, with multiple factors contributing to the current economic situation. The narrative frames the situation as a direct consequence of Trump's actions, overlooking other potential causes.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant contraction in the US GDP, driven by factors such as erratic economic decisions, trade wars, and decreased consumer confidence. This negatively impacts job creation, economic growth, and overall prosperity, thus hindering progress towards SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).