Vice President JD Vance says economy turnaround will take over 18 months

Vance warned that reversing current economic woes will require more than a year and a half, responding to a small‑business owner’s concerns.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 12:44:54 GMT

Vice President JD Vance told a town‑hall audience in Michigan that it will take more than 18 months to fix the U.S. economy and turn it around, responding to a question from a small‑business owner.

What happened

The town hall, hosted by CBS News "Things that Matter" and aired on Saturday evening, featured Vance answering questions about the economy. When a woman said her small business was struggling, Vance said, "It's going to take more than 18 months to fix things and turn 'em around." He added that the country was not broken in a single presidential term and that the current challenges would require a longer period to resolve.

What the reports add

CBS News reported that Vance also addressed President Trump’s positive rating of the economy, noting that Trump claims an "A+" grade. Vance said the president’s optimism reflects massive new investments but that factories must be built before workers can be employed. The outlet also highlighted polling data showing most Americans are dissatisfied with the economy and blame inflation on the previous administration’s policies.

What was said

Vance told the audience, "I'll be the first person to tell you that just as this country wasn't broken in one presidential term, it's gonna take more than 18 months to fix things and turn them around." He continued, "I think what we're doing is, we're turning the ship around." He also said, "I think that what the president is saying is that we are seeing all of these massive new investments come into our country. But he would be the first person to tell you that you gotta build the factories first, before you can employ the workers working in those factories." (CBS News)

How it came about

The town‑hall was part of CBS News' "Things that Matter" series, featuring host Tony Dokoupil. Vance’s remarks follow weeks of public frustration over inflation and stagnant wages, themes that have been covered in recent Felo News pieces on economic sentiment and policy debates.

Key facts

Vice President JD Vance said it will take more than 18 months to fix the economy. (cbsnews.com)
The comments were made at a town‑hall in Michigan hosted by CBS News. (cbsnews.com)
Vance referenced President Trump's "A+" rating of the economy and said factories must be built first. (cbsnews.com)