Trump preempts official GDP data with social media post as economy slows

Investing.com -- President Donald Trump suggested weak fourth quarter GDP figures on social media shortly before the official data release on Friday.

Trump posted on his social media platform at 7:50 a.m., stating "The Democrat Shutdown cost the U.S.A. at least two points in GDP. That’s why they are doing it, in mini form, again. No Shutdowns!" The GDP data was scheduled for release at 8:30 a.m.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that inflation-adjusted gross domestic product increased an annualized 1.4% in the fourth quarter, falling short of the consensus expectation of 2.8%. This marked a slowdown from the 4.4% growth recorded in the prior period.

The US economy expanded 2.2% for the full year, according to the government’s initial estimate. The weak fourth quarter results came as consumer spending and trade weighed on growth.

The US government was shut down for almost half of the three-month period. The BEA said the shutdown subtracted about 1 percentage point from GDP.

The S&P 500 declined 0.25% following the GDP data release, along with data on personal income and spending, and the personal consumption expenditures price index.

The timing of Trump’s post is likely to draw attention.

This wasn’t the first time Trump has commented on market moving information before it was released. On April 9, 2025, Trump posted "THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!" on Truth Social, hours before announcing a pause in tariffs that led to a market surge.

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