Rachel Reeves has embarrassed Britain by blaming Donald Trump for her economic catastrophe
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced criticism for blaming Donald Trump for the UK’s economic struggles after new data showed the economy shrank at the start of the year. Economists had expected growth, but instead, the economy contracted, with manufacturing, oil and gas extraction, and construction performing poorly. Analysts described the figures as disappointing, with some calling the economy “fragile” and “vulnerable.”
Reeves pointed to global challenges, hinting that Trump’s trade policies were partly to blame. However, Downing Street quickly dismissed this claim, stating that the US president’s actions were not responsible for the UK’s economic troubles. Instead, the government emphasized its focus on boosting economic growth to improve living standards and fund public services.
This is not the first time Reeves has shifted blame for economic difficulties. Earlier, she highlighted a supposed £22 billion budget shortfall, which critics argued was based on publicly available data. Her decision to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners and her negative rhetoric about the economy reportedly hurt business confidence, leading to stagnant growth in the first months of the Labour government. At the time, Reeves blamed the previous Conservative administration for the challenges.
Despite the Conservatives stabilizing the economy before the election, Labour’s tax hikes and spending plans have raised concerns. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride accused Labour of being a “growth killer,” citing the government’s tax increases and pessimistic tone. With a spring statement due soon, Reeves faces pressure to outline how the government plans to stimulate growth, as spending cuts and welfare reforms are expected.
As the public grows impatient, Reeves is running out of scapegoats for the UK’s economic woes. The country awaits concrete solutions rather than blame-shifting.
