Overview
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told NBC's Meet the Press he is very optimistic about 2026 and does not see a broad recession next year.
- He acknowledged housing and other interest rate‑sensitive sectors have shown recessionary conditions even as he projects overall growth.
- Bessent said the 43‑day government shutdown dealt a permanent $11 billion hit to the economy, with current funding now running through January 30.
- He attributed inflation primarily to services rather than tariffs, pointed to recent cuts on some food import tariffs, and said lower energy prices should help cool inflation.
- Bessent highlighted provisions from the summer domestic package and tax‑rate changes he says will deliver sizable refunds in early 2026, previewed a health‑care cost announcement this week, and urged ending the Senate filibuster if another shutdown occurs.