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What's Happening to Trump on the Economy Is Exactly What Happened in Reagan's First Term, Then It Took Off Like a Rocket

By Randy DeSoto April 5, 2025 at 6:14am

Many nostalgically look back on the 1980s, remembering it as a decade that the nation’s economy boomed under Ronald Reagan.

What people may not remember is that it didn’t start out that way. Reagan inherited a mess from Democratic President Jimmy Carter, and it took some bold moves to get the American economy out of its malaise.

President Donald Trump faces a similar situation now, and he’s taking some strong action to get the United States economy back on a sustainable path.

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Tags:

Donald Trump, Jimmy Carter, Joe Biden, Ronald Reagan, Taxes, The economy, Trade and tariffs

Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars