Who Made America Poorer and Dirtier?
This article critiques the Trump administration's record, arguing that its policies on environmental regulation, healthcare, and trade have negatively impacted the American economy and public health. It challenges the narrative presented by Vice President Vance regarding the state of the country.
Why it matters
It highlights the intense political polarization regarding the legacy of the Trump administration and the debate over the causes of current economic and environmental conditions.
The people in charge are really hoping you’ll blame someone else.
Illustration by Alisa Gao / The Atlantic. Source: WPChambers / Getty. September 17, 2026, 7 AM ET Share Save At last week’s GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Vice President Vance painted a bleak picture of American life before the second Trump administration:
“Two years ago, we have to remember, our nation, ladies and gentlemen, was tired. We were tired of seeing our factories close. We were tired of our neighbors dying of drug overdoses. We were tired of not being able to afford anything. We were tired of seeing the cartels and the criminals given free rein over our great country,” Vance said. “And we were tired of being called racist for noticing that our country was becoming dirtier and poorer and less safe and less prosperous.”
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in