In his final interview before leaving office, President Biden defended his economic policies, asserting a decline in inflation and attributing economic challenges in "red states" to their own mismanagement. During the MSNBC interview, Biden argued that his approach prevented job losses and insisted on a "soft landing" for the economy despite rising inflation.

Biden's statements contrasted with recent economic data. The Labor Department reported a 2.9% inflation increase in December, the highest since July 2024, contradicting the President's claim of a near 2% rate. He further contended that "red states" required greater investment due to their economic mismanagement, specifically citing issues with manufacturing and supply chains.

This assertion sparked controversy, as studies suggest that Republican-led states like Florida and Texas experienced faster post-pandemic economic recovery compared to their "blue state" counterparts.

A recent Fox News poll revealed that a majority of Americans view the economy negatively, with 52% believing the Biden administration worsened economic conditions. Concerns about inflation remain high, with 89% of voters expressing worry. Even among Democrats, 60% rated the economy as only fair or poor.

The President's claims also clash with warnings from economists like Larry Summers, who predicted increased inflation due to COVID stimulus spending. Biden, however, maintained his conviction that his policies prevented a recession and provided opportunities for American economic growth.