Trump's 'Roaring' Economy Stumbles in 2026

Latest data shows job losses, rising gas prices, and stock market volatility as U.S. faces new economic challenges

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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President Donald Trump's promises of a 'roaring' economy in 2026 have not materialized, with the latest data showing job losses, rising gasoline prices, and stock market volatility. The U.S. has seen a gap between Trump's predictions and the volatile economic results, which could impact the upcoming midterm elections as the president tries to defend his party's majorities in Congress. The administration is facing new inflationary concerns due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, while also struggling to deliver on Trump's claims of stronger growth and hiring compared to the previous administration.

Why it matters

Trump's economic performance is a key part of his political brand and a major focus of his messaging ahead of the midterm elections. The disconnect between his rhetoric and the actual economic data could undermine his party's standing with voters, especially if inflation and job losses continue. The situation also raises questions about the administration's ability to manage economic challenges, particularly the fallout from the conflict with Iran.

The details

The latest jobs report showed a loss of 92,000 jobs in February, with the December and January figures also revised downward. Without the health care sector, the economy would have shed around 202,000 jobs since Trump took office in 2025. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have jumped 19% over the past month to a national average of $3.45 per gallon following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The stock market has also declined 5% over the past month, with the administration's focus on stock market performance as a key economic indicator.

  • The February jobs report showed a loss of 92,000 jobs.
  • In January, the monthly jobs report showed gains of 130,000 jobs, which Trump celebrated on social media.
  • The U.S. and Israel began strikes against Iran on February 28, leading to a spike in gasoline prices.

The players

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who has promised a 'roaring' economy in 2026 but is facing economic challenges including job losses and rising inflation.

Chris Wright

The U.S. Secretary of Energy, who sought to assure Americans that the surge in fuel prices due to the conflict with Iran is a short-term problem.

Joanna Hsu

The director of the University of Michigan's surveys of consumers, who noted that a 'sizable' increase in sentiment among people owning stocks 'was fully offset by a decline among consumers without stock holdings.'

Mike Konczal

The senior director of policy and research at the Economic Security Project, a nonprofit aligned with liberal economic issues, who noted that productivity gains have not translated to higher pay for workers.

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What they’re saying

“WOW! The Golden Age of America is upon us!!!”

— Donald Trump (Social media)

“We never know exactly the time frame of this, but in the worst case, this is a weeks, this is not a months thing.”

— Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy (CNN's 'State of the Union')

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.