Marketplace What's really going on in the Trump economy?
13 snips
Aug 28, 2025 Nova Safo, a reporter at Marketplace, dives into the unexpected growth of the U.S. economy, with GDP figures at 3.3%. She highlights the booming AI data center investments and their transformative effect on energy and construction. The conversation touches on how shifts in trade policy and corporate America are coping with these changes. Safo also explores the rising acceptance of nuclear energy, fueled by climate concerns, alongside a compelling story of a retired Air Force officer's new journey in interior design.
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Tariffs Distorted GDP Growth
- GDP grew 3.3% in Q2 but tariff-driven import declines inflated that number.
- The headline revision masks underlying consumer and business slowdown.
AI Data Centers Prop Up Growth
- AI infrastructure spending is replacing some slowing consumer demand and boosting GDP.
- Economists expect AI-related investment to sustain growth into next year.
Data Center Boom Mirrors Internet Buildup
- Data center construction exploded alongside AI, with global buildouts near $7 trillion, McKinsey estimates.
- Builders compare it to the late-1990s internet infrastructure boom.