US President Biden used the term 'Maganomics' to describe the Republicans' proposed budget cuts, before a possible government shutdown. EPA
US President Biden used the term 'Maganomics' to describe the Republicans' proposed budget cuts, before a possible government shutdown. EPA
US President Biden used the term 'Maganomics' to describe the Republicans' proposed budget cuts, before a possible government shutdown. EPA
US President Biden used the term 'Maganomics' to describe the Republicans' proposed budget cuts, before a possible government shutdown. EPA

Joe Biden criticises 'Maganomics' amid shutdown threat


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US President Joe Biden on Thursday promoted his economic achievements and attacked far-right Republicans as the threat of a government shutdown looms.

"We've created … over 13 million jobs, more jobs in two years any president's created in a four-year term," Mr Biden said in his speech in Maryland.

"We've had 19 straight months of unemployment under 4 per cent for the first time in American history.

"Now, we have the fastest economic growth from the pandemic of any world economy with the lowest inflation rate among the major economies. We have a lot more to do."

He told of how federal budget cuts would affect Americans, weeks before the September 30 deadline to keep the federal government open.

"The country should know the facts, they should know the choice between Bidenomics and Maganomics," Mr Biden said.

He was referring to "Maga," or Donald Trump's Make America Great Again slogan adopted by far-right Republicans.

"They have a very different vision for America."

House Republicans are demanding that the administration cut federal spending to a level lower than what Mr Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had agreed to in May.

Mr Biden spoke to the crowd about disagreements over the deficit and tax cuts for wealthy people.

He also criticised Republican proposals to cut funding in education, infrastructure, social security, Medicare and Medicaid.

“A deal is a deal,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday.

“The President, House Democrats, Senate Democrats, and Senate Republicans have stood by that agreement, with bipartisan movement in the Senate today.

“But Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans have taken a different approach, ignoring the agreement that a majority of them voted for and advancing extreme partisan bills that break their promise and gut investments in America.”

Mr Biden also faces an impeachment inquiry. He continues to portray himself as a president more concerned with governing than political theatrics.

House Republicans opened the inquiry after investigations into the business dealings of the President's son, Hunter Biden.

Republicans accuse the President of profiting from his son's business dealings while vice president, between 2009 and 2017.

The White House says Mr Biden has done nothing wrong.

Speaking in Virginia on Wednesday, Mr Biden said House Republicans had launched an impeachment inquiry against him to instigate a government shutdown.

“I don’t know quite why, but they just knew they wanted to impeach me," he said. "And now, the best I can tell, they want to impeach me because they want to shut down the government.”

“So, look, look, I got a job to do. Everybody always asked about impeachment. I get up every day, not a joke, not focused on impeachment. I’ve got a job to do.

"I've got to deal with the issues that affect the American people every single solitary day.”

Mr Biden has embraced the term “Bidenomics”, which the White House has said involves taxing the wealthy, tackling junk fees and investing in key areas.

His speech on Thursday will be the latest effort by the Biden administration to convince American voters of his economic record, which remains a challenge in his 2024 re-election bid.

So far, such efforts have failed.

And recent government data could make it even more difficult to change opinions.

Inflation increased to 3.7 per cent last month on surging petrol costs – another talking point against Mr Biden – even as core inflation declined.

Only 34 per cent of Americans approve of Mr Biden's handling of the economy, according to a recent USA Today poll.

More Americans also trust Donald Trump – the 2024 Republican front-runner – than the incumbent president to improve the economy.

A large majority of Americans also believe the economy is getting worse and that their cost of living is rising, according to the poll.

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Updated: September 14, 2023, 8:42 PM`