WASHINGTON D.C January 25, 2026 – In an exclusive interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed strong optimism about the American economy’s prospects for 2026, emphasizing a surge in manufacturing and construction jobs driven by President Donald Trump’s economic policies.
Bessent highlighted a “burst in construction jobs” that he believes will transition into long-term factory positions. “I could not be more upbeat about the prospects for manufacturing, for the economy in 2026,” Bessent stated during the interview with co-anchor Jonathan Karl. He pointed to specific examples, such as a rare earth magnets factory in South Carolina employing 800 construction workers, potentially expanding to 3,000 factory jobs, and Boeing’s 50% capacity increase in Charleston, attributed to Trump’s trade deals promoting aircraft sales.
The comments come amid ongoing discussions about tariffs implemented since April, aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing. Despite data from the Federal Reserve showing monthly declines in manufacturing jobs since then, Bessent argued that the current focus on construction signals a forthcoming “blue-collar boom” for hardworking Americans.
The interview also addressed potential trade tensions with Canada. Bessent warned that if Canada deepens its trade ties with China, allowing Chinese goods to flood the U.S. market through integrated supply chains, the U.S. could impose 100% tariffs on Canadian products. This stance follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to China, where he reduced certain tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles from 100% to 6%. Bessent criticized the move as “virtue-signaling” and emphasized the need to protect the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), set for renegotiation this summer.
Referencing a recent statement by President Trump, Bessent clarified that tariffs would be considered if Canada proceeds with a full free trade deal with China or permits dumping of cheap goods. He noted Canada’s prior alignment with the U.S. on high steel tariffs against Chinese dumping, suggesting a possible “about-face” by Carney.
Bessent also touched on the recent Greenland agreement, describing it as “much more fulsome” for U.S. interests than previous arrangements, amid changing Arctic dynamics and strategic concerns over Chinese shipping routes. On NATO, he defended Trump’s push for allies to share defense burdens, highlighting U.S. expenditures of $22 trillion more than NATO since 1980.
The Treasury Secretary’s remarks were shared in a clip posted on X by his official account, underscoring the administration’s confidence in economic growth despite trade challenges. As the Trump administration navigates these issues, Bessent’s upbeat assessment signals a focus on revitalizing American industry through targeted policies.
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