Scott Bessent Stands Confident That US Will Avoid 2026 Recession, Hails Trump’s Economic Policies

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is pushing back hard against talk of a 2026 recession, arguing that President Donald Trump’s economic agenda is only just starting to show its full impact. He credits Trump’s tariff strategy, new trade agreements and the sweeping “One Big, Beautiful Bill” for laying the groundwork for strong, noninflationary growth. While he admits housing and other interest‑rate‑sensitive sectors have been in recession and that the 43‑day government shutdown hit GDP, Bessent insists the overall economy remains resilient. He says inflation is being driven by the services sector and tougher regulation in Democratic‑led states, not tariffs, and expects falling energy prices and healthcare reforms to bring further relief.