Trump’s Advisor Admits President Receives Flattering Economic Data

Donald Trump’s economic outlook has come under scrutiny following remarks from National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett. On CBS’s Face the Nation, Hassett discussed Trump’s perceptions of the economy, particularly his claim that prices are significantly decreasing.

Trump’s Economic Claims Under Review

During a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, Trump asserted, “prices are coming down tremendously.” However, economic indicators paint a different picture. The consumer price index has risen by 3% year-over-year, while the personal consumption index increased by 2.8%.

Focus on Selective Data

In response to anchor Margaret Brennan’s inquiries about the economic data Trump refers to, Hassett clarified the president’s focus. He described how Trump prefers to highlight areas where progress has been made, showcasing selective economic successes.

• Prescription drug prices under Joe Biden rose by 9%, but have dropped by 0.6% this year.
• Gasoline prices have also decreased significantly from their peak under Biden.
• Trump specifically mentioned falling prices of items like eggs.

Hassett’s comments suggested that the president’s understanding of the economy is influenced by cherry-picked data that aligns with his narrative of success.

Public Perception and Reaction

The revelations sparked criticism on social media, with attorney Ron Filipkowski highlighting a recurring trend. He noted that Trump’s close advisors may selectively present positive economic news, reinforcing the president’s willingness to ignore less favorable information.

Users on platforms like X have echoed this sentiment, stating that Trump appears only to be acknowledging the data that supports his claims, disregarding broader economic challenges.

Trump’s Self-Assessment

In a recent interview with journalist Dasha Burns for Politico, Trump rated his economic performance an “A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus,” illustrating his confidence, despite contradictory evidence. This self-assessment has further fueled discussions about the accuracy and selectivity of the information presented to him.

The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of economic reporting and the impact of selective data on public perceptions of leadership and policy effectiveness.