The media isn’t telling America this.
President Donald Trump says the American economy is far stronger than most media outlets are willing to admit—and he’s pointing to hard numbers to prove it.
In an interview released Sunday with NBC News anchor Tom Llamas, President Trump praised the economic turnaround taking place since his return to office.
“I’d say we’re already there,” Trump said. “I’m very proud of it.”
GDP Growth Surges Under Trump
According to President Trump, the U.S. economy has expanded rapidly, with gross domestic product rising by 5.6 percent during his current term.
Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis supports that trend. The agency reported GDP growth of 4.4 percent in the third quarter of last year—one of the strongest showings in recent years.
Supporters say those numbers reflect renewed confidence from businesses, investors, and manufacturers across the country.
Trump Blames Biden for Inflation Crisis
During the interview, Trump repeatedly criticized the economy he inherited from Joe Biden, saying runaway inflation had already done serious damage to American households.
“I inherited the worst inflation in the history of our country,” Trump said. “It was through the roof.”
Inflation peaked at 9.1 percent in June 2022, the highest level in more than four decades. By January 2025, the month Trump returned to the White House, inflation had cooled to roughly 3 percent.
More recent figures show continued stabilization. Annual inflation stood at 2.7 percent in December, with food and energy prices rising at a much slower pace than during the Biden years.
Jobs Market Remains Stable
The labor market has also remained relatively steady. The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in December, after sitting near 4 percent earlier in the year.
Unemployment has stayed below 5 percent since late 2021, following the economic disruption caused by pandemic shutdowns.
Trump has repeatedly argued that deregulation, tax incentives, and domestic investment are helping keep Americans working.
Polls vs. Reality
Despite these economic indicators, some polls suggest lingering voter skepticism. A recent survey from NPR/PBS News/Marist found that 59 percent of respondents disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy.
The White House and Trump supporters argue those numbers don’t match what Americans are seeing at the gas pump, grocery store, and job market.
Trump Takes His Case Directly to Voters
In recent weeks, President Trump has traveled to key states including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Iowa to highlight economic progress.
Trump told Llamas that gas prices in parts of Iowa have dropped sharply, though statewide averages tracked by AAA remain higher.
Looking ahead, Trump predicted that 2026 will outperform even his first year back in office.
“There are factories, plants, and thousands of businesses being built all over the country,” he said.
Trump also revealed he recently spoke with Xi Jinping, noting that global leaders are paying close attention to America’s renewed economic momentum.
“Nobody has ever seen anything like what’s happening right now in America,” Trump said.
Bottom Line
As inflation cools, growth accelerates, and investment expands, President Trump says the economic comeback is already underway—regardless of how it’s portrayed in the media.
For millions of Americans focused on prices, jobs, and retirement security, the real question may not be what polls say—but whether everyday life is getting more affordable again.