Outgoing US President Joe Biden has criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals to impose heavy tariffs on US allies and rivals, as well as extend his first administration’s tax cuts, arguing that these policies would harm the stability of the economy.

“Clearly, the new administration is determined to return the country…to trickle-down economics, and another tax cut for the very rich that won’t be paid, or if it is paid, will have a real cost. , once again, causing massive deficits or significant reductions in basic health care, education and veterans benefits programs. » The guardian Biden was quoted as saying in a speech intended to promote his economic achievements

“On top of that, he appears determined to impose high, universal tariffs on all products imported into this country, in the mistaken belief that foreign countries will bear the cost of those tariffs, rather than the American consumer. Who do you think pays for this? I think this approach is a major mistake. I think we’ve proven that approach to be a mistake over the last four years, but…we’ll know in time what’s going to happen,” Biden added.

Biden has largely avoided criticizing Trump since his election victory, but has subtly criticized his predecessor while defending his economic record.

“As my administration ends and a new one begins, most economists agree that the new administration will inherit a strong economy, going through a fundamental transformation that will establish a stronger, more sustainable foundation for growth,” Biden said. “I hope the new administration builds on this progress.”

Biden also criticized Trump’s response to the pandemic, saying: “The previous administration, quite frankly, had no plan, no real plan, to get us through one of the most difficult times in the history of our country. »

Despite Trump’s promise to reverse Biden’s legislative achievements, including the 2022 infrastructure overhaul, Biden argued it would be difficult to roll back the clock because it benefits many red states.

“We had infrastructure week for four years, and nothing got built,” Biden joked. “I promised to invest equally in red and blue states, and the next president will have a hard time reversing that,” he added.

As Trump mulls removing the country from its international alliances and commitments, Biden has argued that it is essential that the United States remain dominant in world affairs.

“If we don’t rule the world, which nation will lead the world? Biden said in the speech at the Brookings Institution, a major Washington DC think tank.

“Who is bringing Europe together, who is trying to bring the Middle East together? How are things going in the Indian Ocean? What are we doing in Africa? We, the United States, lead the world. »

Referring to the economic policies pursued by his administration and others that Trump has vowed to reverse, Biden said: “My hope and belief is that the decisions and investments that are now so deeply ingrained in the nation are going to be politically costly and economically unhealthy. for the next president to disrupt.

Closing his speech, Biden singled out Project 2025 as particularly harmful and said he hoped Trump would not follow right-wing proposals to overhaul the U.S. government.

“I pray to God that the president-elect rejects the 2025 plan. I think it would be an economic disaster for us and the region,” Biden added.

Trump publicly repudiated Blueprint 2025, but since his re-election he has appointed conservatives involved in crafting the document to positions within his new administration.

With the contribution of agencies