“I believe we are on track to return to growth rates beginning with the number ‘3’ this year,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the economic outlook for 2026.

“The underlying economic fundamentals have remained robust,” he added.

Bessent noted that he is uncertain whether progress can be made this year in terms of reducing the deficit as a percentage of GDP.

“I believe that by the end of the presidential term, we have a chance to bring that ratio to a level starting with a ‘3’,” he further commented, referring to the deficit-to-GDP proportion.