Bessent Bets on 3% U.S. Growth Path by Year-End
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. economy can return to 3% growth this year, citing a strong underlying economy despite inflation and tariff headwinds, and reiterating his “3-3-3” plan (3% growth, 3% deficit-to-GDP, and a 3 million barrel-per-day increase in oil production). He notes Q1 growth at 1.6% annualized after 0.5% in Q4 2025, and suggests the deficit-to-GDP ratio could be around 3% by the end of the president’s term as debt declines relative to GDP, with monetary policy remaining cautious amid inflation.