Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s Vision of a Thriving 2024 Economy

A Conversation with Elizabeth Schulze

With the 2024 election looming on the horizon, the economy is poised to play a central role in shaping voters’ decisions. In an exclusive interview with ABC News Correspondent Elizabeth Schulze, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen shared her optimistic outlook for the year, expressing confidence in the resilience of consumers and dismissing fears of an imminent recession.

“I see 2024 as a year of remarkable economic promise. Of course, risks are always present, but I’m confident in the strength of our economy and the resilience of the American people.”

Yellen’s optimism is rooted in the robust consumer spending, job creation, and income growth that have characterized the post-pandemic recovery. These factors have fueled a virtuous cycle of economic expansion, buoyed by the confidence of consumers and households in their financial situations and the overall economic outlook.

Recent economic indicators reinforce Yellen’s positive assessment. The latest GDP report revealed a robust year of economic growth, exceeding economists’ expectations and potentially shifting the narrative ahead of the election.

Consumer sentiment has also witnessed a significant uptick, with the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index reaching its highest level since July 2021. This surge in optimism signals a shift in public perception and bodes well for continued economic growth.

Yellen’s Midwest Tour and Infrastructure Focus

Capitalizing on the economic momentum, Yellen and President Joe Biden embarked on a Midwest tour, highlighting the administration’s policy successes in infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy. Yellen, known for her cautious approach to political involvement, took direct aim at former President Donald Trump, the anticipated Republican candidate challenging Biden.

She contrasted the Biden administration’s investments in infrastructure and its positive impact on the economy with Trump’s policies, which she criticized for neglecting the middle class. Yellen pointed to the tax cuts enacted under Trump’s administration, arguing that they primarily benefited wealthy corporations and exacerbated the budget deficit without providing tangible benefits for ordinary Americans.

While acknowledging that more work remains to be done in boosting the middle class, Yellen addressed concerns about rising costs for child care, food, and housing, acknowledging their impact on consumer sentiment.

However, she emphasized that wage growth has outpaced inflation, with prices stabilizing and wages continuing to rise, leading to an overall improvement in Americans’ financial situations.

Declining Belief in the American Dream

Yellen also reflected on the declining belief in the American dream, highlighting the decreasing number of people who believe they can achieve a higher standard of living than their parents.

She spoke about her own generation, where the majority experienced economic progress compared to their parents, a trend that has since diminished. Yellen emphasized the need to address regional disparities and ensure that all parts of the country experience economic progress, thereby revitalizing the belief in the American dream.

Conclusion

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s optimism about the 2024 economy and her focus on addressing the needs of the middle class and promoting economic growth set the stage for a critical election year, where the economy will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping voters’ decisions.