Sanders Slams Trump's Economic Claims as 'Crazy and Delusional'

The Vermont senator accused the former president of being 'a pathological liar' about the state of the economy.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a Tuesday interview on MS NOW's 'All In,' Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) sharply criticized former President Donald Trump's claims that the U.S. economy is the 'greatest in history.' Sanders said Trump is either 'completely crazy and delusional' or 'just a pathological liar,' arguing that most Americans are struggling with high costs of living, healthcare, housing, and education.

Why it matters

Sanders' comments reflect the ongoing political divide over the state of the economy, with Democrats generally painting a more pessimistic picture than Republicans. The debate over the economy's health is likely to be a major issue in the 2028 presidential election.

The details

During a recent Fox Business Network interview, Trump claimed the U.S. had the 'greatest economy in the history of our country' during his first term and that the current economy is 'the greatest ever in history.' Sanders strongly pushed back on those assertions, saying most Americans are struggling with basic costs of living and that the economy is far from the 'greatest ever.'

  • The interview with Sanders aired on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Trump made his comments about the economy's strength on a recent Fox Business Network appearance.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont and former Democratic presidential candidate who is known for his progressive economic policies.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has frequently touted the strength of the economy during his time in office.

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What they’re saying

“Well, look, Chris, I think the American people understand with what's going on in Minneapolis, Trump's attacks on the media, universities. He is going after political opponents and through criminal actions, that we are moving into an authoritarian society.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator (MS NOW)

“In terms of I got to tell you, though, I seen that tape you just scrolled. You wonder whether Trump is completely crazy and delusional, or just a pathological liar. But the idea that anybody would believe that this is a great economy when 60% of our people are living paycheck to paycheck, when the cost of health care is going up, people can't afford housing, people can't afford their basic groceries, childcare system is dysfunctional, people can't afford to go to college. And if this is the greatest economy in the history of the world, God help us.”

— Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator (MS NOW)

The takeaway

Sanders' scathing critique of Trump's rosy economic assessments underscores the deep partisan divisions over the state of the economy and the challenges facing many Americans. As the 2028 election approaches, the economy's health will likely be a central issue, with Democrats and Republicans offering starkly different visions.