CNBC Host Visibly Stunned at Trump Economy’s Skyrocketing Growth Numbers
The U.S. economy grew 4.3% in the third quarter of 2025, well above expectations of about 3.3%, with consumer spending up 3.5% versus an expected 2.7% – the strongest quarterly gain on the headline measure since Q3 2023.CNBC’s Rick Santelli reacted with surprise,calling the print “powerful” while noting analysts will dissect the data collection. President Trump used a White House address and a fact sheet to credit his policies for easing prices on items like fruit, butter and toilet paper, and the administration highlighted falling gas prices in many states. Despite the upbeat GDP report, Trump’s economic approval stood at 40.6% with 55.5% disapproving, and democrats have recently won key races by emphasizing affordability.
CNBC’s Rick Santelli appeared surprised Tuesday when he read the latest Gross Domestic Product numbers live during “Squawk Box.”
GDP grew by 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025, according to a Tuesday release by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Santelli noted that the figure came in well above expectations.
“Third quarter numbers, we’re looking for 3.3 …. Zoom, zoom, zoom! 4.3 percent, 4.3 percent.
“That is a nice jump, and I know many may question data gathering, but on the surface, this would be the strongest quarter going back to the third quarter of 2023, when it was 4.7,” Santelli said.
“This is strong — 3.5 on consumption blows away the 2.7 we were expecting. That would be the best since the last quarter of ’24.”
President Donald Trump touted his economic policies in a Wednesday White House speech, while a fact sheet released by the White House noted lower prices for fresh fruit, butter, ice cream, shampoo, and toilet paper.
WATCH IN FULL: President Donald J. Trump’s primetime Address to the Nation. pic.twitter.com/Krq4U6dnyw
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 18, 2025
However, Trump’s approval on the economy is down to 40.6 percent, while his disapproval is up to 55.5 percent, according to RealClearPolling.
Democrats swept high-profile November elections in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City by focusing on the issue of “affordability.”
The White House has touted declining gas prices as well, noting that over three dozen states have an average price of less than $3 a gallon, with at least 20 posting an average of less than $2.75 a gallon, according to Gas Buddy.
“Better GDP is always good,” Santelli said after running through other economic numbers. “We’ll let the experts pick apart the data gathering and all the issues. Over time, that should smooth out. But as I said, on the surface, powerful number.”
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