Kevin Hassett

Kevin Hassett is President Trump's top economic advisor and Director of the National Economic Council. He is currently newsworthy due to several factors. First, Trump has expressed a desire to keep Hassett in the White House, potentially foregoing nominating him as Federal Reserve chair, despite Hassett being considered a frontrunner for the position. This raises questions about the future leadership of the Fed and its independence, especially given the Justice Department's investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which Hassett downplays. Second, Hassett is the administration's point person on economic matters amidst growing concerns about the US economy, including unexpected job losses, rising unemployment, and the economic impact of tariffs and the war with Iran. He is also involved in the fallout from bipartisan rebukes of Trump's tariffs on Canada. His role is significant as the administration navigates these economic challenges and considers changes in Fed leadership.