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Krugman Debunks Trump's 4-5% Growth Claim as 'Fluff'

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Paul Krugman criticized National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett's assertion that President Trump's policies would yield 4-5% economic growth in 2023, calling it "pure fluff."
Krugman pointed out that such growth has not been sustained since the post-World War II era and noted a 3.3% rise in consumer prices over the past year, largely due to energy costs linked to U.S. military actions in Iran.
Trump claimed Iran was violating a ceasefire by not reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Krugman warned that restoring energy market stability could take months if a genuine ceasefire occurs.

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Story summary

Paul Krugman criticized National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett's assertion that President Trump's policies would yield 4-5% economic growth in 2023, calling it "pure fluff."
Krugman pointed out that such growth has not been sustained since the post-World War II era and noted a 3.3% rise in consumer prices over the past year, largely due to energy costs linked to U.S. military actions in Iran.
Trump claimed Iran was violating a ceasefire by not reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Krugman warned that restoring energy market stability could take months if a genuine ceasefire occurs.