During a February 8, 2026, interview with NBC, President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. economy is performing at historically strong levels. Asked, “At what point are we in the Trump economy?” he responded, “I’d say we’re there now. I’m very proud of it... We have a GDP of 5.6% despite a shutdown... $18 trillion is being invested in our country as we speak... You’re already seeing it in construction.”

Trump referenced continued investment and construction activity as evidence of economic strength, highlighting resilience following a 42-day government shutdown in late 2025. While Q4 2025 GDP figures are scheduled for release on February 20, analysts note that verified corporate pledges currently total roughly $5 trillion over a decade, far below the $18 trillion figure cited by the president.

Reactions from economists, consumers, and social media commentators have been mixed. Critics point to rising living costs, including high prices for everyday goods—like $20 cheeseburger ingredients—persistently high rents, and a surge in layoffs, with 108,000 workers losing jobs in January 2026, marking the largest monthly layoffs since 2009. Polling data indicates that 90% of Americans continue to feel cost-of-living pressures, despite a reported 4.4% GDP growth in Q3 2025.

The exchange illustrates the tension between headline economic growth figures and day-to-day economic realities faced by households. While Trump emphasizes investment and GDP metrics, public perception remains shaped by inflation, employment security, and affordability, fueling ongoing debate about the overall health of the “Trump economy.”