Stephen Moore: Yes, Trump's Economic Policies Will Double Growth and Jobs

IBD ^ | 11/17/2016 | Stephen Moore

[SeekAndFind]

When Donald Trump said last week that he will double the American growth rate, his skeptics scoffed. The left doesn't think 4% growth is possible, because they never came close to that target under Barack Obama.

But there's no law of nature or economics that says America is doomed to anemic growth rates. We believe that with the right policy fixes, fast growth is not just possible; it's probable.

In the 1980s, the Reagan agenda had quarterly growth rates of 6, 7 and even 8%. Over the course of his administration, the nation created about 2 million jobs per year. Now, that's a recovery! And Trump is right that if India and China can grow at 8 to 10%, surely we can aspire to half that growth rate.

Faster growth of the economy is imperative if America is to retain our world superpower status — especially given the new rivalry of fast-growing China. This requires the new Trump plan, which will take American competitiveness seriously.

Here's how Trump will ramp up growth.

First, Trump will enact the biggest pro-growth tax cut since Ronald Reagan's 1981 reform. Trump will simplify the tax code and significantly reduce marginal rates, encouraging investment and economic expansion. His proposed corporate tax rate of 15% would make it easier for American firms to repatriate earnings, bringing capital back to these shores.

The House tax bill is similar to Trump's. We can get this through Congress in the first 150 days.

The Tax Foundation says this will add about $150 billion in higher output.

Next, a pro-growth energy policy would develop all of America's abundant resources — oil, natural gas and coal. Trump's plan could make America the world's No. 1 energy producer within five years

[ConservativeMind]

YES!!!

[BenLurkin]

What else will they double?

[polymuser]

Remember kids:

Not my President!
Not my tax cuts!
Not my jobs!

[ProudDeplorable]

In the short run the stock market might take a hit due to inflation fears and interest rates will undoubtedly be raised. The left will paint the stock market drop as a policy failure.

[G Larry]

Rolling back regulation alone can increase productivity by 10%.

It can help retain and return business on U.S. soil.

That adds to both productivity and the tax base.

[Sam Gamgee]

I agree 100% with Moore. It is quite an endorsement to get from Moore, as he does tilt towards free trade.

The problem the West in general faces is a shrinking workforce providing benefits and health care to an increasing number of seniors. That is why many predict anemic growth. If that trend continues it will put a huge headwind against attempts to reach significant growth.

So we need real job growth as well, and Jack in the Box service jobs won’t cut it.

[DoodleDawg]

What else will they double?

The deficit.

[Tanniker Smith]

I’m only 10-12 years out from retirement but I’ve moved a bit more of my money into stock growth for the next couple years.

[TomasUSMC]

Unless they go back to calculating the GDP without inflating it by 3.5 percent, we will have to see 4 percent to get ANY growth......and with Trump in charge and the if they get rid of the filibuster it can go much higher.