Hassett predicts more than 6% GDP growth, dismisses economic pessimism

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett predicted GDP growth exceeding 6% in 2026 in public remarks on May 11, 2026, attributing the forecast to AI productivity gains, lower corporate taxes for domestic manufacturers, and industrial policy initiatives. The Congressional Budget Office projected 2026 GDP growth at approximately 1.8%, and the International Monetary Fund had lowered its U.S. growth forecast in April 2026. Hassett's 6% projection would represent the highest U.S. annual GDP growth since the post-World War II economic boom.