Obama’s economic record and the challenges ahead

As President Obama prepares to hand over to President-Elect Trump the American economy is in a far healthier position than when he took on the Presidency in the wake of the global financial crisis – though big challenges remain.

What have been Obama’s greatest economic successes and challenges throughout his time in office? What did he prioritise in the face of strong political and economic headwinds? And what will become of Obama’s legacy with the new President elected on a platform of intense change?

At an event at its headquarters in Westminster, the Resolution Foundation was joined by Jason Furman, Obama’s Chief Economist and Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, who discussed Obama’s economic record and the decisions taken throughout his time in office. Leading economic commentators Martin Wolf and Stephanie Flanders offered their take on the lessons Trump should heed, before taking part in an audience Q&A.

Jason Furman’s slides