An MSNBC panel erupted in laughter on Thursday morning as the show's producers trolled President Donald Trump with comedic sound effects following a disappointing GDP report and continued high mortgage rates.

The US GDP grew at an anemic annualized rate of 1.5 percent in the latest quarter, according to data released Thursday. The figure — one of the most closely watched benchmarks of overall economic health — fell well short of the robust growth that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had predicted a year earlier for this period.

"Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough reacted bluntly upon seeing the numbers: "Oh my God, that is not good."

Scarborough launched into a critique of Lutnick's earlier growth projections, adding a sarcastic "wah wah wah" — at which point the show's producers intervened, repeatedly playing a sad trombone "womp womp" sound effect that drew laughter from the entire panel.

Axios founder Jim VandeHei noted that current mortgage rates have reached what he described as "satanic levels." The rates have been a persistent pain point for prospective homebuyers, keeping monthly payments elevated even as inventory constraints continue to limit options. Scarborough responded with a quip: "You know, it's a really bad sign when you call your banker and say, 'What are mortgage rates at?' and the answer is: 'I am legion 666.'" The remark prompted yet another comedic sound effect from the production team.

Turning to MSNBC contributor Richard Haass, Scarborough joked, "I mean, you were around Richard in the 1920s!" He quickly corrected himself to the 1980s, adding, "We had stagflation, man. And that's where you're getting it from both sides" — a reference to the combination of stagnant economic growth and inflation that characterized that era.

Co-host Mika Brzezinski then asked producers to "play that sound again," leading to further laughter as the sound effect was replayed.

The GDP figure adds to growing economic concerns under the Trump administration, as elevated mortgage rates continue to pressure the housing market and broader economy. Stagflation — a term coined in the 1960s but most associated with the economic challenges of the 1970s and early 1980s — refers to a period of slow economic growth coupled with high inflation, creating a difficult environment for both consumers and policymakers. The combination poses a particular challenge for the Federal Reserve, whose traditional tools for stimulating growth risk worsening inflation, while measures to tame inflation can further suppress economic expansion.

Source: Raw Story