US United States President Donald Trump is highlighting his administration’s economic performance ahead of the midterm congressional elections, claiming that incomes have increased, inflation has fallen and more jobs have been created. Trump has repeatedly described the United States as the hottest country in the world, pointing to its economic performance under his leadership. However, while the American economy has performed better than many expected following the introduction of sweeping tariffs in 2025, concerns remain over rising prices and the cost of living. Available economic assessments indicate that import tariffs and the effects of the US-Israel war with Iran have contributed to inflationary pressures, affecting household budgets across the country. The economy has also benefited from a surge in investment in artificial intelligence, although concerns remain that growth could weaken if spending in the sector declines. The latest figures cited show that US gross domestic product, or GDP, is expanding at an annualised rate of 2.2 per cent. The economy has also grown by approximately 3.2 per cent since the end of 2024, shortly before Trump began his second presidential term. That performance represents stronger cumulative growth than any other member of the Group of Seven leading industrialised economies over the same period.