Kevin Hassett Claims October Jobs Data May Remain Unknown

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council under Donald Trump, expressed grave concerns over the release of October jobs data amidst an extensive government shutdown, suggesting it may never be available. Speaking on Fox News, Hassett highlighted that the ongoing political impasse has severely disrupted the essential federal statistical system, with White House officials like press secretary Karoline Leavitt pointing fingers at Democrats for the issue.

During the Fox News segment, Hassett explained the data collection process, mentioning that one of the primary surveys—the household survey—was not conducted in October. Consequently, while some employment figures may be produced, a complete unemployment rate will remain elusive. Hassett stated, “We’ll probably be able to concoct something, but we’ll never actually know for sure what the rate was in October,” reflecting the detrimental impact the shutdown has had on accurate economic reporting.

Further elaborating on the economic ramifications, Hassett remarked that the Council of Economic Advisors estimated the daily losses to be about $15 billion, leading to a significant decline in jobs—specifically referencing a loss of around 60,000 American jobs due to depressed economic output. Such fallout raises awareness regarding how deeply intertwined government operations are with the overall economy and how partisan conflicts can exacerbate dire economic conditions.

Hassett’s insights offer a sober view of the historical context, as Trump previously dismissed significant jobs data that did not align with his administration’s narratives. He notably fired the head of the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, reflecting a broader pattern in which valid economic analyses are suppressed or dismissed if they fail to support Trump’s agenda.

This situation underscores an alarming trend where political maneuvering directly impacts economic stability and the integrity of crucial data sets, which should ideally be free from partisan influence. As the shutdown continues, the prospect of reliable economic metrics diminishes, with long-term implications for policymakers and citizens alike.