Donald Trump cites India's 7‑8% growth to criticize US Federal Reserve

President Donald Trump told CNBC on July 2 that India’s economy is growing at 7‑8% and used that as a benchmark to argue the United States should aim for 12‑13% GDP growth. He said the Federal Reserve’s focus on inflation is needlessly limiting American expansion, calling the market’s reaction to strong data a “horrible derangement syndrome about inflation.” Trump also reiterated his desire to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook, despite a Supreme Court ruling that blocks presidential removal of Fed officials. The remarks came as India’s central bank recently lowered its own growth forecast to 6.6% for the year while raising inflation expectations.

Trump’s comments tied India’s growth to a broader narrative of US economic strength, praising record stock market highs and increased factory construction under his administration. He suggested that higher growth would not necessarily fuel inflation and urged policymakers to support economic momentum rather than restrain it.