Trump vs. Biden: Who Actually Made You Richer? A Real American's Story

For Mike and Lisa Patterson, a middle-class couple from Columbus, Ohio, the debate over which president made Americans richer isn't political — it's personal. "Under Trump, we felt like we were getting ahead," Mike told YEET Magazine. "Under Biden, we're just trying to keep our heads above water."

Mike, 45, works in construction. Lisa, 43, is a nurse. Together, they earn about $140,000 a year. They have two children, ages 12 and 15. They're not wealthy, but they're comfortable. Or at least they were.

Under Trump, the Pattersons saw their 401(k) grow, their home value rise, and their tax bill decrease. "We were able to take vacations. We paid down our debt. We felt optimistic about the future," Mike said.

But under Biden, the Pattersons have seen their grocery bills double, their gas prices skyrocket, and their savings evaporate. "We're making the same money, but it doesn't go as far," Lisa said. "We've cut back on everything. We're just surviving."

The Pattersons' story reflects a broader reality. Trump says Europe is dying and that the US economy is stronger, a claim that has been debated by economists.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that real wages have fallen under Biden due to inflation, despite strong job growth. Under Trump, wages grew modestly but inflation was lower.

Both presidents faced unique challenges. Trump inherited a growing economy and added tax cuts. Biden inherited a pandemic-ravaged economy and implemented stimulus measures. But for the Pattersons, the bottom line is clear: they feel poorer today than they did four years ago.

"I don't care about politics," Mike said. "I care about whether I can afford to feed my family. And right now, it feels like the economy is working against us."

What You'll Learn in This Article

• A real story of how economic policy affects American families
• Economic performance under Trump vs. Biden
• Job growth, inflation, and GDP under each president
• What economists say about each record
• How the stock market performed under both

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