(DCNF)—Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed out Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union” the administration’s cutback on government spending as what’s gone “unnoticed” during the shutdown, calling it one of the factors helping the U.S. avoid a recession.
The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it would lower the interest rate benchmark by a quarter-point, bringing it to a range of 3.75%-4.00%. CNN’s Jake Tapper asked Bessent about the latest rate slash and the Fed’s warnings that the U.S. could face a recession if cuts continue rapidly, questioning if the country is at risk of a downturn.
“I believe that we are in a transition period here as we are seeing the Trump administration has cut back on government spending. What has gone unnoticed during the shutdown is, for the fiscal year, that in September 30th, the government spent less than it did the year before. And because the GDP grew — the deficit-to-GDP which had been 6.4%, 6.5% deficit, the highest when we weren’t at war — we weren’t in a recession ever. We were able to bring it down to 5.9%,” Bessent said.
“So we are bringing down government spending and I would think that the Fed would want to assist with that,” Bessent added. “Because if we go back and look, MIT just published a study that said 42% of the great inflation of 2022 came from excess government spending. So if we are contracting spending then I would think inflation would be dropping. [If] Inflation is dropping then the Fed should be cutting rates.”
Earlier in 2025, the Trump administration made significant cuts to government spending, exposing how many agencies had been using taxpayer dollars to fund programs at odds with the president’s agenda. With help from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the administration claimed to achieve savings of an estimated $214 billion — about $1,329 per taxpayer — according to an Oct. 4 update on the agency’s website.
Concerns over the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy surfaced during the summer when President Donald Trump called for the Fed to lower rates. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell responded that if Trump had not imposed reciprocal tariffs, the U.S. central bank would have reduced rates sooner.
After months of tension between Powell and Trump, the Fed announced its first rate cut Sept. 17, lowering the benchmark by a quarter-point and setting the target range at 4.00%-4.25%. While a second rate cut was made in October, the ongoing government shutdown has delayed most major economic data releases.
Tapper pressed Bessent further, asking if he believes the U.S. could face a recession if the Fed doesn’t continue cutting rates.
“I think that we are in good shape, but I think that there are sectors of the economy that are in recession and the Fed has caused a lot of distributional problems there with their policies,” Bessent responded. “I wrote a 7,000-word essay on that. We’ve seen the biggest hindrance for housing here is our mortgage rates. So if the Fed brings down mortgage rates then they can end this housing recession. Low-end consumers who have gotten killed under President Biden, these high rates are hurting them because they have debt not assets. So I think that there are sections of the economy that could go into recession.”
Bessent previously outlined his view of a transition period for the U.S. economy, contrasting with Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s approach. Bessent describes the economy as transitory, pointing to a broader phase of shifting, unstable conditions that are not expected to last.
In comparison, Yellen used the term “transitory” under to suggest inflationary spikes were temporary and driven by pandemic-related supply shocks. Yellen’s outlook, however, proved overly optimistic as inflation surged to extreme levels during Biden’s term in office.
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Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.