$8.4 trillion. That’s the astounding amount that former President Trump added to the national debt during his time in office. To put it in perspective, that’s nearly $25,000 of debt for every U.S. citizen—an increase of 38%. And here’s the kicker: $940 billion of that debt was added even before the pandemic hit. So, this can’t be blamed solely on COVID-19.

It’s mind-boggling when some die-hard Trump supporters claim that they voted for him because of his supposed economic prowess. How could someone who claims to be a great businessman, someone who supposedly knows how to run a successful enterprise, amass such an incredible debt while in office? It just doesn’t add up.

The truth is that Trump’s economic policies were objectively stupid. He decreased revenue through massive tax cuts while simultaneously increasing expenses. It’s like trying to fill a sinking ship with a leaky bucket. And who benefited from these policies? Trump, his family members, and the wealthy elite. They lined their pockets while the average American was left to pick up the tab.

But here’s the kicker—according to a report, the only significant deficit reduction during Trump’s presidency was due to tariffs levied on imported goods. In other words, the only substantial source of revenue came from half a trillion dollars in new taxes that he unilaterally created without congressional approval. And his calculations to break even assumed an unrealistic annual economic growth of 6%. It was a joke from the start.

So, what does this all mean for Trump’s legacy? If he cares about leaving behind a positive one, he’s in for a disappointment. His reckless and irresponsible economic policies will have far-reaching consequences. The debt he accumulated will burden future generations for decades to come.

If you think about it, it’s not surprising that Trump is able to connect with his supporters on such a deep level. He is unabashedly stupid, proudly racist, and shamelessly ignorant. And, unfortunately, many people identify with those same qualities. They have his permission to wear their ignorance as a badge of honor. He gives them a voice, and they, in turn, give him the freedom to do as he pleases.

But at what cost? Trump’s disastrous economic policies have disproportionately harmed the poor and working class. While the millionaires and billionaires cash in, everyday Americans are left struggling to make ends meet. This is not how a functioning democracy should operate.

Looking at the larger picture, it is clear that Republican presidents like Trump and Bush prioritize tax cuts for the wealthy, which only increases income inequality, ballooning deficits, and ultimately crashes the economy. On the other hand, Democratic presidents like Clinton, Obama, and Biden have raised taxes on the wealthy, decreased income inequality, decreased deficits, and expanded the economy. Clinton even managed to achieve a budget surplus. If fiscal responsibility is what you seek, then voting Democrat is the way to go.

The consequences of Trump’s economic mismanagement extend beyond just the national debt. Trillions of dollars go toward interest payments, money that could be better spent on healthcare, infrastructure, social benefits, or tax cuts. It’s a vicious cycle—one that Trump set in motion and one that will only worsen if he is allowed another term in office.

It’s time to face the facts and hold Trump accountable for the mess he has created. From January 6th to colluding with Russia, from obstructing justice to his countless lies, he has proven time and time again that he is unfit for the presidency. But if there’s one thing that can truly expose his incompetence, it’s the staggering $8.4 trillion in debt. This should be the rallying cry for anyone who cares about the future of our country.

So, as we approach the next election, Democrats must make this number—the $8.4 trillion debt—a central part of their campaign. It should be plastered on billboards, discussed on radio stations, and broadcasted on TV screens across the nation. This is a debt that Trump cannot ignore, a debt that will forever tarnish his legacy.

For those who claim that the national debt doesn’t matter or that it’s only a problem when a Democrat is in power, it’s time to wake up. This debt affects us all. It cripples our ability to invest in crucial areas like healthcare and infrastructure, and it undermines our economic stability.

The bottom line is that Trump’s economic policies were a disaster. He promised to run the country like one of his businesses, but that’s not a promise anyone should be eager to fulfill. Most of his businesses went bankrupt, after all. It’s time to step away from this failed experiment and move toward a more responsible, compassionate, and fiscally sound future. Our country deserves better than this.