As Speaker of the House, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) is often quick to defend his party's policies.
On Friday, he took to Twitter to praise Republican economic policies. It didn't go quite as planned.
Ryan tweeted:
Possibly to deflect from a growing sea of social atrocities like family separation and Russian appeasement, Republicans frequently tout the so-called economic improvements happening under their leadership, championing the falling unemployment rate (a trend which began with President Barack Obama) and claiming, as Ryan did, that worker pay is rising. Their claims, however, tend to be misleading.
It wasn't long before people on social media corrected Ryan.
They pointed out that, adjusted for inflation, wages are actually plateauing.
What's more, they came with receipts.
And, for many, modest economic growth did nothing to negate other Republican policies.
Republicans have undoubtedly taken steps on economic issues, but the direction in which those steps are taking the country remains debatable.
The most sweeping changes made by Republicans to the economy came with the passing of their tax bill last year.
The bill increased tax cuts for those making over 500,000 dollars per year and slashed corporate tax rates from 35 to 21 percent. While Republicans insisted it would lead to an economic surge, economists expect the improvements will be modest.
The bill was met with opposition from Democrats. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said the bill
is simply theft — monumental, brazen theft from the American middle class and from every person who aspires to reach it.
In the end, the tax bill is estimated to cost over two trillion dollars. Now, the federal debt is poised to rise to its highest level since World War II.
Americans haven't forgotten its impact.
Because Ryan is retiring at the end of his term, the tax bill he championed and the so-called improvements he touts are likely to be the brunt of his legacy. With so many Americans dissatisfied at wage growth and increasing tax cuts for the rich, one wonders if his efforts were worth it.
