AP FACT CHECK: Budget chief slams Obama growth forecast

Budget Director Mick Mulvaney holds up a copy of President Donald Trump's proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget as he speaks to members of the media in the Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Budget Director Mick Mulvaney holds up a copy of President Donald Trump's proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget as he speaks to members of the media in the Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

By Associated Press May 23, 2017 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Trump budget director Mick Mulvaney is accusing the former the Obama administration of going overboard in its forecasts for growth.

But an AP Fact Check finds that Mulvaney’s indictment glosses over significant differences in the economy now and then.

Although the Obama administration forecast growth of more than 4 percent at the start, that was because the economy had dipped so low in the recession. Growth normally accelerates temporarily after a downturn.