Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has ruled out a recession in 2026, citing President Donald Trump's trade agenda and domestic policy package as key drivers of economic growth. According to NBC News, Bessent expressed confidence that Americans will feel economic relief next year, despite pockets of the economy showing signs of strain.
Bessent acknowledged the challenges facing certain sectors, such as housing, which has been struggling with interest rate-sensitive issues. He also pointed out that the recent government shutdown had a negative impact on the economy.
However, the treasury secretary remains optimistic about 2026, citing the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate trade deals and implement tax cuts. The GOP's landmark domestic policy package is seen as a significant driver of growth, with various components set to kick in next year.
Bessent also took aim at critics who argue that the government shutdown and other economic issues are evidence of a struggling economy. He blasted Senate Democrats who continue to block reform efforts, including an end to the Senate filibuster, which he believes is hindering progress on key policy issues.
In a separate interview, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett also predicted a strong year ahead for the US economy, citing promising data on job creation and factory growth. The two officials appear to be aligned in their views on economic growth and policy priorities.
Bessent's comments come as the Trump administration continues to push for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposed 28-point peace deal, Bessent remains supportive of the effort, characterizing President Trump as a "president of peace."
Bessent acknowledged the challenges facing certain sectors, such as housing, which has been struggling with interest rate-sensitive issues. He also pointed out that the recent government shutdown had a negative impact on the economy.
However, the treasury secretary remains optimistic about 2026, citing the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate trade deals and implement tax cuts. The GOP's landmark domestic policy package is seen as a significant driver of growth, with various components set to kick in next year.
Bessent also took aim at critics who argue that the government shutdown and other economic issues are evidence of a struggling economy. He blasted Senate Democrats who continue to block reform efforts, including an end to the Senate filibuster, which he believes is hindering progress on key policy issues.
In a separate interview, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett also predicted a strong year ahead for the US economy, citing promising data on job creation and factory growth. The two officials appear to be aligned in their views on economic growth and policy priorities.
Bessent's comments come as the Trump administration continues to push for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposed 28-point peace deal, Bessent remains supportive of the effort, characterizing President Trump as a "president of peace."
...but what's really gonna make a difference is if those tax cuts start showing some real growth. I mean, we all know the housing market has been struggling 
and it's not just interest rates, it's affordability. Can't keep telling people they can afford a house when wages aren't keeping up 
...and what about healthcare? I'm not seeing anything in those tax cuts that's gonna address our broken healthcare system 
...only time will tell if Bessent is right about 2026 being a stronger year 
. I mean, sure, trade and tax cuts are always a good thing 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how 2026 plays out 
. Can we get some more data on job creation and factory growth before we all start feeling optimistic again? 
It's gonna be interesting to see how it all plays out in 2026 
. And what about all the critics who say the Senate filibuster is holding us back? It's always hard to predict the economy, but I think it's good that Hassett and Bessent are sticking by their guns 
. I think some of these policymakers are just trying to spin things and make us believe everything is gonna be okay when it's not.
What really concerns me is the housing market, those interest rates are killing people! 
. And what about the shutdown, huh? That had a real impact on our economy, but does he even care? I don't think so 
I'm watching this space closely, and I'll believe it when I see some real growth numbers 
. The Trump admin's trade deals and tax cuts might help in the short term, but what about the long-term effects? 
That's gotta be some kind of Trojan horse...I mean, who needs peace when you've got politics to play with? Bessent just wants us to believe that everything is fine when it clearly isn't. Wake up, people!
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. I mean, can we just talk about this stuff like adults? We need to work together to make things better for everyone, not demonize each other 
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. And don't even get me started on the gov shutdown 
. I mean, come on, Kevin Hassett predicting a strong year? That sounds too good to be true 
The housing market is struggling with interest rates and all, so like, how can Bessent be so confident that everything's gonna be okay in 2026? 
. I mean, we've all been there where things seem bleak but then something good happens and everything turns around 
. Can't help but feel like there are some major blind spots here 
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. However, I think we need more nuanced analysis of the potential risks and benefits associated with these policies before we can confidently say that 2026 will be a strong year for the US economy 
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