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Trump's Second Term Brings Economic Wins
Epoch Times reports on key economic indicators under President Trump's second presidency.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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In his first year back in the White House, President Donald Trump set the tone for his second presidency, with the economy seeing gains across several key indicators like the stock market, GDP growth, inflation, trade, employment, gas prices, and mortgage rates. However, some of the administration's executive actions have drawn legal scrutiny.
Why it matters
The state of the economy is a central focus for any presidency, and Trump's second term has seen a mix of positive economic trends and legal challenges to some of his policy decisions. This provides insight into the administration's economic priorities and the real-world impacts.
The details
According to Epoch Times, the stock market has reached new highs under Trump's second term, with the S&P 500 up 16% and the Nasdaq gaining 20% in the past year. GDP growth accelerated, exceeding 4% in Q2 and Q3 2025, avoiding a feared recession. Inflation, while elevated, has been lower than during the Biden administration. The trade deficit has narrowed substantially, and the labor market has seen steady, if slowing, job growth. Gas and mortgage prices have also declined. However, the administration's use of executive orders to advance policy objectives has faced legal challenges.
- In January 2025, President Trump took office for his second term.
- Through January 14, 2026, the S&P 500 Index rose nearly 16%.
- In the past 12 months, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 13% and the Nasdaq gained 20%.
- GDP grew by 3.8% in Q2 2025 and 4.3% in Q3 2025.
- Inflation reached 9.1% in 2022 but slowed to 2.7% by November-December 2025.
The players
President Donald Trump
The 45th and 47th President of the United States, who returned to the White House for a second term in 2025.
Scott Bessent
The Treasury Secretary under President Trump's second term, who expects 2026 to be a "gangbuster year" with continued strong economic growth.
Epoch Times
A conservative news publication that reported on the economic trends during President Trump's second term.
What they’re saying
“Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expects 2026 to be a 'gangbuster year,' with continued strong economic growth.”
— Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary (Epoch Times)
What’s next
The administration's use of executive orders to advance policy objectives has faced legal challenges, and it remains to be seen how these battles will play out in the courts, potentially impacting the president's economic agenda.
The takeaway
While President Trump's second term has seen positive economic trends across several key indicators, the administration's reliance on executive actions has drawn scrutiny, highlighting the tensions between the executive branch's priorities and the checks and balances of the legal system.
