Grant Cardone, a real estate investor and motivational speaker, is once again stirring debate online after backing President Donald Trump’s economic claims with a bold prediction for next year: a historic boom.
On X, Cardone wrote, “Trump is fixing US ECONOMY. 2026 set to boom. You don’t have to like him to like what he’s getting done,” and listed seven economic improvements, including lower taxes, rising real wages, falling prices, and increased investment.
But not everyone is buying the hype.
Economist and longtime Trump critic Peter Schiff replied sharply: “Only in his imagination. Apparently, you share in his delusion.”
Trump’s Pitch: Economic Boom, Closed Borders, Lower Prices
Trump delivered a 19-minute televised address from the White House on Dec. 17. He did not make any major policy announcements but used the platform to defend his handling of the economy and immigration.
“Our nation is strong. America is respected, and our country is back stronger than ever before. We’re poised for an economic boom the likes of which the world has never seen,” Trump said.
He also claimed that when he took office 11 months ago, the U.S. had the worst inflation in 48 years and was dealing with unaffordable living costs.
“I inherited a mess, and I’m fixing it,” he said. Trump blamed the previous Democratic administration for what he described as out-of-control prices, open borders, and economic instability.
The president also repeated a controversial claim about immigration: “Our country was being invaded by an army of 25 million people, many who came from prisons and jails, mental institutions, and insane asylums.”
He argued that undocumented immigrants were responsible for job loss, a strained healthcare system, and rising costs to law enforcement.
“Illegal aliens stole American jobs and flooded emergency rooms getting free healthcare and education paid for by you – the American taxpayer,” Trump said.
Critics: Out of Touch, Light on Substance
Democrats quickly fired back. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) called Trump’s remarks “delusional,” adding, “The most honest thing he said was, ‘No one can believe what’s going on.'”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) mocked the president’s tone, saying the speech boiled down to: “Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me Me.”
A Sky News analysis described the speech as more of a campaign rally than a presidential address.
Journalist Mark Stone wrote that Trump came across as “angry and frustrated,” and described the mood as, “Why are my polling numbers not better? Why is the economy not doing better? Why are you – the voters – not feeling better off?”
A Bonus and a Bold Prediction
Trump did unveil one new item: a bonus payment for military service members. He said 1.45 million troops will receive $1,776 each, a “Warrior Dividend” funded by tariff revenues.
“Think of this: 1,450,000 military service members will receive a special, we call ‘Warrior Dividend’ before Christmas,” Trump said.
He also teased more drug price cuts coming in January through his direct-to-consumer site, TrumpRx.
However, critics pointed out that he avoided mentioning grocery and energy prices, which remain high for many Americans.
While Trump claimed success, polling tells a different story. A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that only 36% of Americans approve of his handling of the economy. More than half believe the U.S. is already in a recession.
Big Promises, Big Doubts
Trump also made sweeping foreign policy claims, saying he “settled eight wars in 10 months” and “ended the war in Gaza,” while also stating, “I’ve restored American strength.”
These statements are heavily disputed by foreign policy analysts, who note ongoing conflict and daily strikes in Gaza despite a declared ceasefire.
Back at home, his critics argue that economic improvements aren’t being felt on the ground.
Unemployment rose to 4.6% in November, the highest in five years. Cost-of-living concerns remain high, especially around food and housing.
Economist Peter Schiff’s rebuttal to Cardone captured a growing sentiment among skeptics: that the president’s rhetoric isn’t matching economic reality.
As Trump eyes reelection and Cardone doubles down on his support, the divide between perception and reality in the U.S. economy remains a central issue heading into 2026.
IMAGE CREDIT: “President Donald Trump” by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Image adjusted for layout.