Overview

• In a new Axios interview, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said “the economy that Donald Trump owns starts at the end of this year,” resetting the timeline.
• On Newsmax, Lutnick added that the “Donald Trump economy” is coming at the beginning of next year, extending the window he previously set.
• He projected record construction employment by the first quarter and GDP growth topping 4%, arguing factory projects take time to show up in data.
• Recent readings showed the Consumer Price Index rising for a fourth straight month and initial jobless claims at multi‑year highs, with August payroll gains around 22,000.
• The revised timetable drew online criticism and skepticism, and Axios noted further slowing could leave Lutnick explaining why the promised upturn has not appeared.