President Joe Biden began his second State of the Union address by claiming the economy was “reeling” when he took office two years ago and he implied the economy is in a “better state” now.
“Two years ago, the economy was reeling, I stand here tonight after we’ve created … 12 million new jobs,” Biden said.
BIDEN: "Two years ago, the economy was reeling. I stand here tonight after we've created…12 million new jobs." pic.twitter.com/XZdp6qxznw
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 8, 2023
The president’s statements about the economy are unequivocally false.
According to the American Automobile Association, gas prices were sitting at $2.67 per gallon in February 2021. As the president spoke to Congress, gas prices were at an average of $3.46 per gallon.
Moreover, the consumer price index numbers for December 2022 showed inflation at 6.5 percent. Yet, in February 2021, the inflation rate was 1.6%.
Additionally, during his address, the president claimed that his administration has reduced the national debt by $1.4 trillion.
“We’ve done all of this while lowering the federal deficit in the two years we’ve been in office $1.7 trillion,” Biden said before incorrectly adding, “Let me say that again — $1.7 trillion we’ve lowered the federal debt.”
However, the debt grew by nearly $3.7 trillion during his first 2 years in office.
The national debt was approximately $27 trillion when Biden took office, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Furthermore, the president wrongfully claimed that Republicans want to take the economy “hostage.”
Under the Trump administration and a GOP-led Congress, the unemployment rate stood at 3.4%, America gained 7 million new jobs, middle-class family income increased by $6,000 and nearly 160 million Americans were employed.
The president also claimed that Republicans want to strip Americans of their social security benefits and Medicare.
“Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security sunset,” Biden said.
Republicans responded to Biden’s claim with boos and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) exclaimed, “Liar!” at the president.
Chaos ERUPTS during State of the Union after Joe Biden flat-out LIES about Republicans' Social Security plan@MTG calls him out, stands up and yells "LIAR!" at him on LIVE TV 🔥
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 8, 2023
During his address, the president claimed that his administration is increasing domestic oil and gas production.
However, a 2022 Committee to Unleash Prosperity study by the University of Chicago found that oil production would be 2 million to 3 million barrels a day higher if Biden had followed former President Donald Trump’s energy plan.
All in all, President Biden’s address was one of deceit. His claims on the economy and social security were lies.
In Conclusion, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) delivered the Republican response to Biden’s speech.
Sanders began her address by stating she didn’t believe “much of anything” that Biden mentioned in his speech.
“Being a mom to three young children taught me not to believe every story I hear. So, forgive me for not believing much of anything I heard tonight from President Biden,” she said.
