By Charles Switzer
10:35am PDT, May 3, 2025
Trump Acknowledges Recession Risk But Maintains Optimism
In a recent interview with Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, President Donald Trump addressed concerns about a potential recession due to his administration’s trade policies. The interview, set to air on Sunday, May 4, was teased by MSNBC with a brief clip released on Friday, May 2.
Welker raised the issue of growing concerns among some on Wall Street regarding the likelihood of a recession. “Some people on Wall Street have expressed concerns that the possibility of a recession is increasing,” Welker asked. “Are you comfortable with the country potentially dipping into a recession for a period of time if you are able to achieve your long-term goals?”
Here’s everything Trump had to say about a potentially looming U.S. recession.
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Trump Deflects Concerns, Cites Optimism from Wall Street
In response, Donald Trump dismissed the concerns by pointing out that not all opinions align with the pessimistic outlook. “Well, you know, you say some people on Wall Street say. Well, I tell you something else. Some people on Wall Street say that we’re gonna have the greatest economy in history. Why don’t you talk about them?” Trump replied.
Kristen Welker attempted to redirect the question, emphasizing the same topic: the trade-offs between short-term economic difficulties and long-term gains. Trump continued, “There are many people on Wall Street [who] say this is gonna be the greatest windfall ever happened,” suggesting that there is a positive outlook as well.
Trump’s Position on Recession and Long-Term Goals
When Kristen Welker pressed further, asking if it would be acceptable to experience a short-term recession in pursuit of long-term success, Donald Trump replied confidently: “Remember this. Look, uh, yeah. It’s — everything’s ok. What we are, I said this is a transition period. I think we’re gonna do fantastically.”
Despite the risks of a recession, Trump maintained his optimism, framing the current economic struggles as part of a broader transition that would ultimately lead to greater success.
Trade Policies and Economic Impact
Donald Trump’s trade policies have been a central point of contention, particularly his decision to impose tariffs on almost all imports. The tariffs were designed to make American-made goods more competitive by increasing the cost of foreign products.
However, the announcement of sweeping tariffs last month sent markets into turmoil, with many businesses hesitant to make major investments until there is more clarity on the future of trade policy.
Trump’s stance is that the tariffs are a necessary step to rebalance trade and strengthen U.S. manufacturing, despite the immediate market disruptions. This decision has contributed to the recent economic contraction, with the U.S. economy shrinking by 0.3 percent last month when economists had reportedly expected growth of 0.4 percent.
Public Reactions
The interview unsurprisingly generated mixed reactions on social media.
Some X users were critical of President Donald Trump’s approach, with one person tweeting, “Trump’s tariffs are causing chaos and now he’s okay with a recession? #TrumpEconomy #TradeWars.”
Others expressed skepticism about the long-term benefits, with a user commenting, “Sure, Trump says it’ll be great in the long run, but right now people are losing jobs and businesses are uncertain.”
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters remained optimistic, with one tweet reading, “Trump’s vision for the economy is bold, and sometimes you need to go through tough times to come out stronger. #MakeAmericaGreatAgain.”
Another user shared, “It’s a long-term play. I trust Trump’s judgment on the economy.”
