Written By 
Reviewed By Taylor London
Introduction
Since taking office, President Joe Biden has repeatedly commented on the state of the U.S. economy. He often highlights job gains, lower inflation, and a shift away from “trickle‑down” policies. His goal: an economy that works “from the middle out and the bottom up”. In this article, we’ll review what President Biden has said about key economic issues—job reports, inflation, growth forecasts, and more. By understanding his messages, you’ll see how his administration frames progress and challenges in plain terms that anyone can follow.
What President Biden Has Said About the Economy So Far
1. Celebrating Job Growth and Low Unemployment
One of President Biden’s earliest economic talking points focused on employment. In January 2025, he praised a strong jobs report, noting that unemployment remained near historic lows. He said the economy he is “leaving is the best in the world and stronger than ever for all Americans,” adding that inflation was down toward 2 percent despite global headwinds like the pandemic and supply‑chain issues. This statement underscored his belief that steady job gains should fuel confidence and stability.
2. “Middle‑Out” Growth vs. Trickle‑Down Economics
A key theme in President Biden’s speeches is his contrast between past “trickle‑down” policies and his own “middle‑out” strategy. In December 2024, he warned against a return to large tax cuts for the wealthy, arguing that his administration’s model aims to grow the economy by boosting the middle class and lower‑income families first. He said most economists agree he inherited a “fairly strong economy” and hoped future leaders would “preserve and build on this progress”.
3. Battling Inflation and Pushing Back on Recession Fears
Inflation has been a central concern. The Biden White House often pushed back against forecasts of a recession. In March 2025, National Economic Council officials told Reuters there were “a lot of reasons to be extremely bullish about the economy going forward,” even if some data points looked weak in that quarter. This bullish tone aimed to reassure households and businesses that inflation‑fighting policies would hold and growth would resume.
4. Infrastructure and Long‑Term Investments
President Biden frequently links economic progress to major investments. He pointed to the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—nearly $1 trillion for roads, bridges, broadband, and more—as a foundation for future growth. He says these projects create good‑paying jobs and set the stage for stronger productivity. While his critics call some spending “reckless,” Biden argues that updating America’s infrastructure is critical to competing globally.
5. Credit Where It’s Due: “Fairly Strong Economy”
In December 2024, during a speech at the Brookings Institution, Biden took credit for a “fairly strong economy,” citing expanded rural broadband and job growth. Even as he acknowledged ongoing challenges—like high prices in some areas—he asked the next administration to build on his record instead of rolling back progress. This blend of pride and pragmatism is typical of his remarks.
6. The “Envy of the World” Line
Biden often uses vivid phrases. During earlier State of the Union addresses, he described the U.S. economy as the “envy of the world,” citing low unemployment and strong consumer spending. By invoking global comparisons, he sought to highlight America’s resilience after the pandemic and his administration’s policies.
7. Supporting Small Businesses and Supply Chains
Beyond big‑picture data, Biden has emphasized support for small businesses. He notes that tax credits, easier loan access, and streamlined permitting help entrepreneurs hire workers and expand. He also draws attention to supply‑chain fixes—like port investments—that lower shipping costs and keep goods flowing, which in turn helps consumers and retailers.
8. Addressing Energy Costs and Clean Energy Jobs
Energy prices surged in 2022–23, and Biden admits they remain a concern for many families. He points to policies that accelerate clean energy—solar, wind, electric vehicles—as a way to reduce long‑term costs and create “good‑paying union jobs.” By linking environmental goals to economic benefits, he appeals to voters worried about both the climate and their pocketbooks.
9. Framing Economic Challenges Honestly
While upbeat, Biden does not ignore pain points. He often says that Americans still feel higher costs at grocery stores and gas pumps. Acknowledging this hardship helps his message sound honest. He then follows with concrete steps—like encouraging Congress to pass targeted aid or funding rental assistance—to show he is acting on those worries.
10. Looking Ahead: Continued Promise and Uncertainty
In his public remarks, President Biden strikes a balance between confidence and caution. He celebrates milestones—job gains, falling inflation, and infrastructure wins—while warning that progress is not guaranteed. He urges the next administration, Congress, and state leaders to “preserve and build” on hard‑won gains rather than reverse course. This forward‑looking message frames economic policy as a long journey that requires steady leadership and bipartisan cooperation.
Conclusion
President Biden’s comments on the economy seek to reassure Americans that job growth is strong, inflation is falling, and strategic investments will fuel future prosperity. He contrasts his “middle‑out” approach with past “trickle‑down” policies, urging lawmakers to support working‑class families first. While admitting some ongoing challenges—like gas prices and supply bottlenecks—he consistently promotes infrastructure spending, clean energy, and small‑business aid as pathways to stable growth. As the nation looks ahead, Biden’s emphasis on building “from the middle out and bottom up” offers a clear vision: an economy that lifts all Americans, not just the wealthy few.
