POTUS Says United States Is in Trump Economy Now

Trump predicts 2026 will be even stronger than 2025 despite 2026 GDP forecast of 4.2%

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a Super Bowl interview with NBC News, President Donald Trump claimed the United States is now in the 'Trump economy' and predicted that 2026 will be even stronger than 2025, despite the Atlanta Fed forecasting 4.2% GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2026.

Why it matters

Trump's comments come as the economy continues to be a major focus for the administration, with the president touting strong GDP growth and an influx of investment and manufacturing in the US. However, the Atlanta Fed's latest forecast suggests growth may be slowing compared to earlier predictions.

The details

Trump cited estimates of extremely strong fourth-quarter 2026 GDP growth, with the Atlanta Fed originally predicting 5.4% growth. However, the latest Atlanta Fed forecast as of Monday is 4.2% for Q4 2026. Trump claimed the 'Democrat shutdown' earlier in 2026 cost the economy 1.0 to 1.5 percentage points off GDP for the quarter.

  • In January 2026, the Atlanta Fed predicted 5.4% GDP growth for Q4 2026.
  • As of Monday 2026-02-09, the Atlanta Fed GDP prediction for Q4 2026 is 4.2%.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who claimed the US is now in the 'Trump economy' and predicted 2026 will be even stronger than 2025.

Tom Llamas

An NBC News anchor who interviewed President Trump.

Kevin Hassett

The National Economic Council Director who estimated the 2026 government shutdown would cost the US $15 billion per week and knock 1.0 to 1.5 percentage points off GDP.

Xi Jinping

The President of China, whom Trump said he recently spoke with.

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What they’re saying

“I'd say we're there now”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (NBC News)

“I think '26 is even going to be better. You know, we have hundreds of billions of dollars pouring into our country--actually, trillions; $18 trillion is being invested in our country as we speak, and there are factories and plants and thousands of businesses being built all over the country.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (NBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Trump's optimistic predictions about the economy in 2026 come despite signs of a potential slowdown, raising questions about the accuracy of his claims and the underlying strength of the economy as he looks ahead to the next few years.