'The TARIFFS are responsible for the GREAT USA Economic Numbers JUST ANNOUNCED…AND THEY WILL ONLY GET BETTER! Also, NO INFLATION & GREAT NATIONAL SECURITY. Pray for the US Supreme Court!!! President DJT," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Recent government data show that the U.S. economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter of 2025, the fastest pace in two years, propelled by strong consumer spending, increased government investment, and rising exports. Trump and his allies argue that revenue from tariffs helped strengthen the economy by narrowing the trade deficit and boosting domestic production.
Despite this headline growth, economic sentiment among Americans is weakening. Consumer confidence has fallen for the fifth straight month, marking its longest decline since 2008. The University of Michigan and other surveys show that households are increasingly worried about prices, job prospects, and rising living costs a trend economists link in part to the higher prices that tariffs can cause by making imported goods more expensive.
The mixed signals present a complicated picture for policymakers. While GDP growth suggests resilience, the slump in consumer confidence raises concerns about future spending and economic momentum heading into 2026. Some analysts caution that the growth could be temporary and partly influenced by shifting consumer behaviour, such as front‑loading purchases ahead of expected price increases.
Trump's stance on tariffs remains a central part of his economic narrative. He and members of his economic team continue to defend the policy, claiming it protects domestic industries and contributes to stronger overall economic performance. However, critics argue that the long‑term impact of tariffs may include higher costs for consumers and uncertainty in global trade relations.
Rania Umutoni
