Numbers, at last, that speak for themselves.
The U.S. economy surged in the third quarter, recording its fastest growth rate in two years, according to new data released Tuesday.
An initial estimate from the U.S. Department of Commerce showed gross domestic product expanding at an inflation-adjusted annualized rate of 4.3%, well above the 3.8% pace recorded in the second quarter.
The lift came from familiar places. Consumers spent more freely, with spending rising 3.5%, up from 2.5% in the prior quarter. Exports rebounded sharply, surging 8.8% after a –1.8% decline in the spring.
President Donald Trump did not hesitate to claim authorship of the moment, pointing to the tariffs his administration substantially increased during the quarter.
“The TARIFFS are responsible for the GREAT USA Economic Numbers JUST ANNOUNCED…AND THEY WILL ONLY GET BETTER!” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “Also, NO INFLATION & GREAT NATIONAL SECURITY. Pray for the U.S. Supreme Court!!!”
The tariffs now sit beneath a cloud of legal uncertainty. A pending case before the Supreme Court of the United States could invalidate many of the measures, potentially triggering large refunds to importers if the justices rule against the administration.
Still, Trump doubled down in a follow-up post Tuesday morning, celebrating both the numbers and the surprise they delivered: “Q3 GDP came in at 4.3%, BLOWING PAST expectations of 3.2%. 60 of 61 Bloomberg Economists got it WRONG, but ‘TRUMP,’ and some other Geniuses, got it right. The SUCCESS is due to Good Government, and TARIFFS. Consumer spending is STRONG, Net Exports are WAY UP, Imports and Trade Deficits are WAY DOWN, and there is NO INFLATION! Because of my Tax Bill (THE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL) and TARIFFS, INVESTMENT IS SETTING RECORDS. The Trump Economic Golden Age is FULL steam ahead — ‘You haven’t seen anything yet!’ Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
BREAKING: Experts left STUNNED once again as U.S. GDP blows past expectations.
+4.3% in Q3 📈
“That is a nice jump. This is the strongest quarter going back to 2023. This is strong.” pic.twitter.com/ipGs4vMofO
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 23, 2025
NEC Director Kevin Hasset said, “It’s really a fantastic number, and it’s a great Christmas present for the American people … President Trump’s trade agenda is working.”
NEC Director Kevin Hassett on the GDP report: “It’s really a fantastic number and it’s a great Christmas present for the American people.”
“President Trump’s trade agenda is working.” pic.twitter.com/bU4obEDplF
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 23, 2025
For now, the figures tell a simple story. Growth accelerated. Consumers showed confidence. Trade moved in America’s favor. What comes next may hinge less on the spreadsheets — and more on the court.
