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Trump plans to grow his way out of $40 trillion debt crisis—it’s a ‘fantastic story’ but virtually impossible, says top budget economist - Fortune

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Published by Fortune By Eleanor Pringle · 25 August 2026 at 13:51

Trump plans to grow his way out of $40 trillion debt crisis—it’s a ‘fantastic story’ but virtually impossible, says top budget economist - Fortune — Image · Fortune

What the report says

Wharton's Professor Kent Smetters says if Bessent and Trump plan to offset $40 trillion debt with growth alone, it is unfeasible.

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