Bernie Sanders calls Trump 'delusional' after POTUS says US 'has the greatest economy ever'

Bernie Sanders cited Donald Trump’s attacks on media, universities and rivals, warning that the country is 'moving into an authoritarian society'
PUBLISHED FEB 11, 2026
Sen Bernie Sanders sharply criticized Donald Trump after the president described the current economy as the 'greatest in history' (Getty Images)
Sen Bernie Sanders sharply criticized Donald Trump after the president described the current economy as the 'greatest in history' (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Bernie Sanders did not hold back while reacting to President Donald Trump’s glowing claims about the US economy. 

During an appearance on MSNBC’s 'All In' on Tuesday, Feb 10, Sanders openly questioned whether Trump is “completely crazy and delusional, or just a pathological liar.”

The Vermont Independent’s remarks came after Trump, in an interview on Fox Business Network, described the current period as the “greatest” economic era in US history.



Donald Trump calls current economy ‘the greatest’ in history

Speaking on Fox Business Network, Trump made bold claims about the state of the economy. “This is the greatest period of anything that we’ve ever seen,” Trump said. He pointed to his first term in office, adding, “We had the greatest economy in the history of our country in my first term. I think we’re blowing it away. Now I think we have the greatest economy, actually, ever in history.”



Trump’s remarks framed the current economic climate as stronger than ever before. His comments were quickly circulated and discussed across media platforms, prompting reactions from critics and supporters alike.

But Sanders strongly disagreed with that assessment and questioned how such a statement could match the lived reality of many Americans.

Bernie Sanders warns of authoritarian shift under Donald Trump

During his conversation on MSNBC with host Chris Hayes, Sanders widened his criticism beyond just economic claims. “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,” Sanders said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks with reporters about his meeting with NYC Mayoral Candidate outside the Dirksen Senate Office Building on July 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. Zohran met privately with Sanders after attending a breakfast event hosted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) He is expected to meet House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who has yet to endorse later this week. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks with reporters about his meeting with NYC Mayoral Candidate outside the Dirksen Senate Office Building on July 16, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

The senator suggested that Trump’s rhetoric and actions signal something deeper than just political disagreement. According to Sanders, the broader pattern of behavior should concern voters.

He tied these concerns directly to Trump’s messaging about the economy, implying that exaggerated claims distract from more serious issues facing the country.

Sanders questions Trump’s credibility over economic reality

Sanders reserved his sharpest words for Trump’s description of the economy as the best in history.

Referring to the clip of Trump’s comments, Sanders said, “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.”

INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Bernie Sanders speaks onstage at the Outdoor Theatreon April 12, 2025 in Indio, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)
Bernie Sanders speaks onstage at the Outdoor Theatreon April 12, 2025 in Indio, California (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Coachella)

He continued by challenging the idea that most Americans feel financially secure.

“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.”

Sanders concluded, saying, “And if this is the greatest economy in the history of the world, God help us.”

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