U.S. Economy Grew 2.1% in First Quarter, Beating Economists’ Expectations

he U.S. economy grew faster than economists expected during the first three months of the year, according to the Commerce Department’s final estimate released Thursday, providing President Donald Trump with fresh evidence to support his claims that the economy remains resilient despite ongoing global uncertainty.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) expanded at an annualized rate of 2.1% during the first quarter, covering January through March.

The figure topped economists’ expectations. Analysts surveyed by LSEG had projected the economy would grow at a 1.6% annualized pace.

Thursday’s report also marked an upward revision from the government’s previous estimate. The BEA initially estimated first-quarter growth at 2.0%, before lowering that figure to 1.6% in its first revision. The final reading reversed that decline and came in at 2.1%.

Gross domestic product measures the value of all goods and services produced across the U.S. economy and is considered the broadest measure of economic activity.

The stronger-than-expected reading comes as the Trump administration has pointed to solid economic data, including steady job growth and easing inflation, as evidence that its economic agenda is gaining traction ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

This story is developing…

Fox Business: “For the final read of Q1 GDP, we came in at 2.1%. The estimate was 1.6%.” pic.twitter.com/2TPWlJXHLr

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 25, 2026