Trump Official Calls Out Polling Data

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett pushed back Sunday against recent polling showing widespread public concern about the U.S. economy, arguing that consumer behavior paints a more positive picture.

During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Hassett questioned whether polling ahead of the election accurately reflects the financial outlook of American households.

He argued that if consumers were deeply worried about their jobs, income, or the direction of the economy, that anxiety would normally show up in reduced spending and higher savings. Instead, Hassett said Americans continue to spend at strong levels while retailers remain active.

According to Hassett, economic behavior can sometimes provide a clearer signal than survey responses.

He explained that economists have long observed that households tend to cut back on purchases and build savings when they fear layoffs or declining income. Hassett said current spending patterns suggest many Americans remain confident enough about their financial future to continue making purchases.

The White House economic adviser also pointed to recent consumption data, saying year-over-year spending growth has been running at one of its strongest rates in years.

Hassett further cited estimates showing third-quarter gross domestic product growth running in the 4% to 5% range.

He also highlighted credit conditions, arguing that relatively low levels of credit card defaults provide another indication that many consumers remain financially stable.

At the same time, Hassett acknowledged that polls continue to show dissatisfaction with the economy.

That contrast, he said, raises an important question: Should economic confidence be measured primarily by what consumers tell pollsters, or by how they actually behave with their money?

Hassett clearly favors the latter interpretation.

He suggested that political polling can be influenced by partisan attitudes, particularly during an election season, and argued that economic data offers a more objective way to evaluate current conditions.

His comments come as the economy remains a major political issue ahead of the upcoming election. Voters continue to focus heavily on household expenses, wages, employment, interest rates, and the cost of everyday necessities.

For the Trump administration, maintaining confidence in the economy is likely to remain an important part of its message.

Supporters can point to continued consumer spending, economic growth, and employment strength as evidence that the broader economy remains resilient.

Critics, however, are likely to emphasize public dissatisfaction and the financial pressures many households still feel when paying for groceries, housing, insurance, utilities, and other necessities.

That divide between strong headline economic figures and negative public sentiment could become increasingly important as voters decide how they view the country’s financial direction.

Hassett’s argument is straightforward: Americans may be telling pollsters they are worried, but their spending habits suggest a greater degree of confidence than those surveys indicate.

Whether voters ultimately agree with that assessment could play a significant role in how the economy shapes the political debate in the months ahead.