The IMF Called on the U.S. to Reduce Spending. Washington Pushed Back.

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said strong growth won't offset a lack of reduced fiscal spending. (Credit: Getty Images)

A newly-appointed U.S. official took aim at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over claims that economic growth will likely not be enough to offset a lack of reduced fiscal spending.

"The authorities very much rely on strong growth in the United States" to help reduce debt, Georgieva said this week, referring to the Trump administration's economic strategy. "At the Fund, we believe that growth of course helps, but it cannot deliver fast enough the necessary adjustments. So, some (fiscal) measures would be necessary."