US: Summary Of NEC Director Hassett's Comments To Reporters

Summary of National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett’s recent comments to reporters at the White House. On the government shutdown: “We 100% want the government open. We agree with Speaker Johnson… Democrats in the Senate are no longer a moderating force…” Hassett gives no indication that the White House is considering breaking with the Congressional GOP position on negotiating with Democrats on healthcare, signalling that the impasse will continue.

• On SNAP funding, which hits a cliff on November 1 and has been identified as a key shutdown pressure point for both parties: “We urge Democrats to get the government open.” Suggests that OMB Director Russell Vought is working to ensure “essential programmes” without specifying.   
• On the upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping: “Trump and Xi are great friends… [Treasury Secretary] Scott Bessent is one of the greatest negotiators there ever was… So we’re hopeful... [but] we're frustrated with some of the Chinese actions in the past few weeks.” He notes there has been a “thawing” in recent days.
• On the pending SCOTUS ruling on the legality of tariffs: “We have a very high level of confidence the Supreme Court will side with us.”
• Hassett says Canada’s “lack of flexibility” is a reason for the collapse in trade negotiations. He cites ongoing negotiations with Mexico as evidence that the issue is on the Canadian side.
• On CPI: “The inflation numbers were excellent.” Claims that the topline number was inflated by a refinery shutdown in Indiana and adds that he is “confident the next number will even be below this.”