President Trump said in a pre-recorded interview that aired Friday that a short-term recession is acceptable if it means achieving long-term economic goals a statement that sent shockwaves across America as concerns mount over the impact of his aggressive tariff policies.
In the clip released from his sit-down with NBC’s “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker,” the president downplayed recession fears, calling current economic conditions part of a necessary shift. “This is a transition period,” he said, brushing off the idea that economic downturns would derail his administration’s broader vision. “I think we’re going to do fantastically.”
The comments come amid growing alarm from business owners, economists, and lawmakers. Many have expressed deep unease over the president’s trade agenda, which includes sweeping tariffs on China and other global partners that are already affecting prices, supply chains, and consumer confidence.
Apollo chief economist Torsten Slok recently estimated a 90% likelihood of what he termed a “Voluntary Trade Reset Recession,” laying out the case in a 40-page presentation that echoed across financial institutions. His analysis, coupled with recent market volatility and declining consumer expectations, has only heightened anxieties.
During the interview, Welker asked the president if he was truly “comfortable with the country potentially dipping into a recession for a period of time.” Trump initially dodged the question by pivoting to optimistic Wall Street voices, saying, “Some people on Wall Street say that we’re going to have the greatest economy in history. Why don’t you talk about them?”
Pressed further, Trump finally acknowledged the potential downturn, responding, “Yeah, everything’s OK. I said, this is a transition period.” When asked directly if he was worried about a recession, he added, “Anything can happen. But I think we’re going to have the greatest economy in the history of our country. I think we’re going to have the greatest economic boom in history.”
His remarks, however, have not reassured many Americans. The suggestion that an economic dip is acceptable, especially as layoffs climb and inflation concerns grow, has rattled working families and small businesses alike. For many, the idea of a “transition period” sounds like a gamble one they fear could cost them jobs, savings, and long-term stability.
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