France 24: U.S. Third Quarter Economic Growth Exceeds Expectations, Trump Eyes Greenland, Rich in Rare Metals

The U.S. third-quarter economic growth rate exceeded expectations, reaching 4.3%. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) explained this 1.1% increase above expectations as "accelerated consumer spending." This is a prominent headline from France 24's international edition today.

Trump posted a victory declaration on his Truth Social platform, stating that economists were wrong. He also said, "The golden era of the Trump economy is in full swing."

According to a report released on Tuesday, December 23, the annualized U.S. economic growth rate for the third quarter of 2025 was 4.3%, far exceeding expectations. The report was delayed due to a prolonged government shutdown. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis noted that this figure increased by 1.1% compared to the second quarter, mainly due to "accelerated consumer spending."

According to consensus forecasts published by MarketWatch and Trading Economics, analysts had previously expected economic activity to slow down, with a GDP growth rate of 3.2%, lower than the previous quarter's 3.8%. However, investment slightly declined.

Financial markets had hoped the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates on January 28 to further stimulate economic growth and corporate profits. Sam Stovall, an analyst at CFRA, explained that given such strong GDP growth, the Federal Reserve now has another reason to maintain the status quo at its next meeting.

The U.S. government claims that its "growth-oriented" policies are yielding results. Faced with surveys showing voters' growing dissatisfaction with rising living costs, the government emphasized additional tax credits they expect to gain next year.

The Palais Group's macroeconomic research institute estimates that these tax credit policies will have a "moderate impact" on 2026 economic growth because "consumer confidence is relatively low, meaning many families will save a large portion of it." Some economists also believe that U.S. economic growth is unbalanced, as it is primarily driven by investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and data center construction, while more traditional industries are struggling.

The appointment of a U.S. envoy to Greenland has sparked strong protests in Denmark. This is another key headline from France 24's international edition.

Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the U.S. envoy to Greenland. Landry stated on X that his goal was "to annex Greenland to the United States." In response, the Danish Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen.

The latest provocation from Washington has provoked strong indignation among the Nordic kingdoms. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederiksen quickly wrote a joint letter to the White House, reiterating that "national borders and sovereignty are fully protected under international law, and no country can be annexed, even under the pretext of international security."

Previously, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen (center-right), who had just arrived in the Faroe Islands to celebrate Christmas, condemned the Louisiana governor's "completely unacceptable" remarks. He also announced that he had summoned the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen, which is at least the fourth time this year he has done so.

Exactly one year ago, on December 22, 2024, Trump wrote on the "Truth Social Network": "For the sake of national security and world freedom, the United States believes it is absolutely necessary to own and control Greenland."

French President Macron issued a statement on Tuesday, December 23, in response to Trump's repeated attempts to annex this Danish territory, Greenland. Macron said, "Greenland belongs to its people, and Denmark is the guarantor of Greenland." Macron wrote on X: "I express our full support along with the people of Europe." Macron reiterated "France supports Denmark's and Greenland's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

On Monday, Trump reiterated that the U.S. "needs" Greenland to ensure security against threats from other countries. Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale. This Arctic island, rich in rare metals and home to 57,000 residents, is not for sale.

On Monday, U.S. Interior Secretary Bernhardt announced that five offshore wind projects would be suspended due to "determined national security reasons." This decision caused the stock prices of several Danish energy giants involved in the projects, Ørsted and Vestas, to plummet.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852343040197641/

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