{"id":27667,"date":"2026-08-04T19:46:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T14:46:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=27667"},"modified":"2026-08-04T19:46:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T14:46:33","slug":"wall-street-journal-questions-donald-trumps-economy-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=27667","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Wall Street Journal&#8217; Questions Donald Trump&#8217;s Economy Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Paginator\">\n<header xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"sc-lfRwAv pSqCT\">\n<div class=\"sc-hndrU icIUoY\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/ok_logo_black_small.png\" alt=\"OK Logo\"\/><span class=\"news\">NEWS<\/span><\/div>\n<figure class=\"sc-ksluoS jnYGUA\">\n<div class=\"sc-hBMVcZ foAbWl\">\n<div class=\"sc-fnVYJo jZjbnN\"><img data-mm-src=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/0x0\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of Donald Trump.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/480x251\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 480w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/640x335\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 640w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/768x402\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 768w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/1024x536\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 1024w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/1280x670\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 1280w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/1440x753\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 1440w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/1600x837\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 1600w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/2160x1130\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg?position=top 2160w\" data-sizes=\"100vw\" height=\"628\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"sc-fFSRdu efvKbs\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-giAqnE haccci\"><span>Source: MEGA<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The &#8216;Wall Street Journal&#8217; criticized the pace of the country\u2019s economic growth.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"sc-bTJPMs jOkeMf\">\n<div class=\"flexContainer\">\n<div class=\"flexContainer\">\n<div class=\"sc-hQYogJ iAyoZX\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/RI7jbXUbY\/120x120\/ok-pink-logo-1650489068371.png\" alt=\"Profile Image\" class=\"sc-fTFLOO jxvOeh\"\/><\/div>\n<p class=\"sc-dwxYxt eflEDT\">Aug. 4 2026, Published 9:33 a.m. ET<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"sc-dTSxUT dyQypj sc-gVFdEO kziYVQ\">\n<p>Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-gkCpWe evoggL\">\n<p>The <em>Wall Street Journal<\/em> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/opinion\/economy-gdp-donald-trump-tariffs-scott-bessent-df93c87d?mod=hp_opin_pos_5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">editorial board<\/a> is puncturing President <a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/t\/donald-trump\/\"><strong>Donald Trump<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s favorite economic story.<\/p>\n<p>Trump has pointed to record stock prices and the absence of a recession as proof that <a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/p\/donald-trump-loses-it-asked-inflation-heated-exchange\/\">his policies are working<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>But the <em>Journal<\/em>\u2019s editorial board argued that the economy is not booming, calling it \u201ctepid\u201d after Commerce Department figures showed U.S. growth at 1.5 percent from April to June, below forecasts of about 2 percent.<\/p>\n<p>The board said the economy \u201ccontinues to plod along and is shrugging off the war in Iran,\u201d but is still underperforming Treasury Secretary <a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/p\/treasury-secretary-defends-donald-trumps-crypto-profits\/\"><strong>Scott Bessent<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s 3 percent GDP growth target by half.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-dTSxUT dyQypj sc-hkePoP hVImEU\">\n<p>Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-header=\"true\" class=\"sc-flUlJl gvtwpJ\">Markets Look Past the Spin<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"sc-ksluoS jnYGUA\">\n<div class=\"sc-hBMVcZ bgyRLF\">\n<div class=\"sc-fnVYJo dfXZyd\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/0x0\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of An analyst said investors focused more on economic data than politics.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/480x270\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 480w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/640x360\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 640w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/768x432\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/1024x576\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/1280x720\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/1440x810\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/1600x900\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/_PdY0A7bb\/2160x1215\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-2-1785780100616.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\" height=\"720\" fetchpriority=\"low\" class=\"sc-fFSRdu inofKU\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-giAqnE haccci\"><span>Source: MEGA<\/span><\/p>\n<p>An analyst said investors focused more on economic data than politics.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"sc-gkCpWe evoggL\">\n<p>Investment management analyst <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kingsview.com\/advisor\/scott-d-martin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Scott D. Martin<\/strong><\/a>, partner at Kingsview Wealth Management, said the source of the criticism matters less than the economic question it raises.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInvestors pay attention whenever respected market voices question whether economic momentum matches the narrative,\u201d Martin said. \u201cMarkets ultimately respond to earnings, employment, inflation, consumer spending, and business investment, not political messaging.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-dTSxUT dyQypj sc-hkePoP hVImEU\">\n<p>Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-header=\"true\" class=\"sc-flUlJl gvtwpJ\">Tariffs and Uncertainty<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"sc-ksluoS jnYGUA\">\n<div class=\"sc-hBMVcZ bgyRLF\">\n<div class=\"sc-fnVYJo dfXZyd\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/0x0\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of Tariffs remained a key concern for future economic performance.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/480x270\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 480w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/640x360\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 640w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/768x432\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/1024x576\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/1280x720\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/1440x810\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/1600x900\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/K771hCMPF\/2160x1215\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-3-1785780110686.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\" height=\"720\" fetchpriority=\"low\" class=\"sc-fFSRdu inofKU\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-giAqnE haccci\"><span>Source: UNSPLASH<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Tariffs remained a key concern for future economic performance.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"sc-gkCpWe evoggL\">\n<p>The <em>WSJ<\/em>\u2019s board argued that Trump\u2019s tax bill and deregulation could be producing stronger growth if not for the costs and uncertainty created by tariffs. Trump\u2019s earlier <a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/p\/donald-trump-emotional-reaction-supreme-courts-tariff-ruling-raises-health\/\">sweeping tariff plan<\/a> was struck down after the Supreme Court ruled in February that it had been implemented illegally, but he has since announced a new round of import levies on goods from more than 80 countries.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMr. Trump thinks that, with the stock market hitting records and the economy avoiding recession, his tariffs are working wonders,\u201d the board wrote. But based on Bessent\u2019s growth goal, it added, \u201cthe economy is underperforming by half.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Martin said a \u201ctepid\u201d label changes the questions investors ask.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cInvestors immediately begin asking whether corporate profits can continue growing at the pace currently reflected in stock prices,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-jHcYrh hanhiD\">\n<p>MORE ON:<\/p>\n<p>Donald Trump<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"sc-jLqSar MszUH\">\n<p class=\"sc-bUQzRK dZWmuA\">Want OK! each day? Sign up here!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-dTSxUT dyQypj sc-hkePoP hVImEU\">\n<p>Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-header=\"true\" class=\"sc-flUlJl gvtwpJ\">The Voter Reality Check<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"sc-ksluoS jnYGUA\">\n<div class=\"sc-hBMVcZ bgyRLF\">\n<div class=\"sc-fnVYJo dfXZyd\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/0x0\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of Experts said voters judged the economy through everyday costs.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/480x270\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 480w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/640x360\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 640w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/768x432\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/1024x576\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/1280x720\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/1440x810\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/1600x900\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/PfW-xTDdz\/2160x1215\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-4-1785780126462.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\" height=\"720\" fetchpriority=\"low\" class=\"sc-fFSRdu inofKU\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-giAqnE haccci\"><span>Source: MEGA<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Experts said voters judged the economy through everyday costs.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"sc-gkCpWe evoggL\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/p\/reports-white-house-iran-war-forever-war-trump-avoid\/\">Trump\u2019s war in Iran<\/a> has also weighed on the economy through <a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/p\/donald-trump-makes-stunning-admission-about-gas-prices\/\">gas prices<\/a> and inflation, though the latest data suggests growth has held up better than some feared.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cVoters tend to judge the economy through their own experiences,\u201d Martin pointed out.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey notice whether groceries are affordable, whether borrowing costs are coming down, whether it&#8217;s easier to buy a home, and whether their paychecks are keeping up with the cost of living,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-header=\"true\" class=\"sc-flUlJl gvtwpJ\"\/>\n<figure class=\"sc-ksluoS jnYGUA\">\n<div class=\"sc-hBMVcZ bgyRLF\">\n<div class=\"sc-fnVYJo dfXZyd\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/0x0\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of Observers questioned whether growth matched political claims.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/480x270\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 480w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/640x360\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 640w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/768x432\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/1024x576\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/1280x720\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/1440x810\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/1600x900\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/hJ2KlSRfr\/2160x1215\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-5-1785780223060.jpg 2160w\" sizes=\"100vw\" height=\"720\" fetchpriority=\"low\" class=\"sc-fFSRdu inofKU\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"sc-giAqnE haccci\"><span>Source: MEGA<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Observers questioned whether growth matched political claims.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<div class=\"sc-gkCpWe evoggL\">\n<p>\u201cCriticism from a traditionally business-oriented editorial board can make it more difficult to convince skeptical voters that the economy is performing better than they believe it is,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor investors, however, the focus should remain on the underlying fundamentals,\u201d he continued. \u201cOver time, the data \u2014 not the <a href=\"https:\/\/okmagazine.com\/politics\/\">political narrative<\/a> \u2014 will determine which story prevails.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NEWS Source: MEGA The &#8216;Wall Street Journal&#8217; criticized the pace of the country\u2019s economic growth. Aug. 4 2026, Published 9:33 a.m. ET Article continues below advertisement The Wall Street Journal editorial board is puncturing President Donald Trump\u2019s favorite economic story. Trump has pointed to record stock prices and the absence of a recession as proof&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/media.okmagazine.com\/brand-img\/okywcY5pK\/1200x628\/wall-street-journal-trump-economy-tepid-growth-misses-target-1785780000601.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=27667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27667\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/27668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=27667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=27667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=27667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}