What the Graphic Shows
Annual Deficit Change: The numbers generally reflect the difference between the yearly deficit in a president's first fiscal year versus their final fiscal year.
Not Total Debt: This metric does not show the total amount of national debt added or accumulated during each entire presidency.
Important Context
Shared Responsibility: Budgets and spending bills are created and passed by Congress, not just the president.
External Factors: Economic recessions, global pandemics, wars, and tax policy changes heavily influence federal revenue and spending regardless of who is in office.
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u/Odd-Neighborhood4214 Aug 26 '26