Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent forecasts the U.S. economy could expand by at least 3.5% in 2026. He attributes the disappointing 1.4% growth in the fourth quarter to government shutdown impacts and automotive industry losses.
WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism about America’s economic future during a Friday interview on Fox News, predicting the nation’s economy could expand by no less than 3.5% in 2026.
Speaking on “The Will Cain Show,” Bessent attributed the disappointing fourth-quarter economic performance, which showed just 1.4% growth in gross domestic product, to external factors that hampered normal business operations. He specifically pointed to a partial government shutdown and significant financial write-offs by American automotive companies as major contributors to the sluggish numbers.
According to Bessent, these disruptions may have reduced economic growth by one to two percentage points compared to what could have been achieved under normal circumstances.
“It was this longest shutdown in history that caused the fourth quarter to crash,” Bessent explained during the television appearance.
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