Washington: The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed strong confidence that America’s ongoing investment surge is sustainable, crediting President Donald Trump’s policies for unleashing a new wave of economic momentum. Speaking at the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, Bessent described the boom as a result of both pent-up demand and strategic policy execution that has revived corporate confidence.
Bessent asserted that the nation’s economic upswing is not a temporary spike but the beginning of a longer-term cycle driven by renewed private investment, business expansion, and capital formation. “There is pent-up demand, but President Trump has unleashed this boom with his policies,” Bessent said, emphasizing that tax reforms, deregulation, and infrastructure incentives have stimulated new growth opportunities across industries.
However, Bessent also issued a stark warning that the ongoing federal government shutdown is acting as a major obstacle to economic stability. He stated that the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy an estimated $15 billion per day, disrupting federal operations, halting public services, and delaying government contracts critical to the private sector. “The only thing slowing us down here is this government shutdown,” Bessent remarked, noting that the effects are beginning to ripple across markets and employment sectors.
According to Bessent, the sustainability of the investment wave lies in the structural foundations laid by pro-growth policies, rather than short-term fiscal stimulus. He argued that current momentum in construction, manufacturing, and technology reflects renewed investor optimism about the U.S. business climate. The Treasury Secretary maintained that this optimism could continue as long as political uncertainties are resolved swiftly and fiscal discipline is preserved.
Economists observing Bessent’s remarks have noted that while the U.S. economy remains resilient, prolonged political gridlock could undercut investor confidence and weaken the very expansion the Treasury is highlighting. The shutdown, if extended, could dent GDP growth forecasts and trigger cascading effects on small businesses reliant on federal funding or contracts.
Bessent’s comments come at a time when markets are balancing optimism about U.S. growth prospects with fears of policy paralysis in Washington. Analysts say that while the investment surge appears broad-based, it could falter if inflation pressures rise or if prolonged government inactivity disrupts supply chains and labor markets.
Despite the challenges, Bessent’s assurance signals that the Treasury remains confident about America’s economic trajectory. “This is not a one-year story,” he said. “The United States has entered a durable phase of expansion provided we allow the system to function without political obstruction.”