Transcript: Kevin Hassett on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Nov. 30, 2025
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The following is the transcript of the interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Nov. 30, 2025. NANCY CORDES: We turn now to the Director of the White House National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett. Kevin, thanks so much for being with us. KEVIN HASSETT, DIRECTOR NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL: Great to be here. NANCY CORDES: So we've all eaten the turkey. Holiday shopping has begun in earnest.
AI Summary
Main Idea: White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett defended President Donald Trump’s economic record, saying lower inflation, stronger wages, and tax cuts are helping shoppers even as many Americans still worry about higher prices.
Key Points:
- Hassett said Black Friday and online sales were strong, which he called proof that holiday spending is holding up.
- He argued that inflation is lower than under the last administration and that real incomes are rising.
- He pushed back on concerns that Trump’s policies are raising grocery and holiday prices, saying some costs are up but others are down.
- He said the White House still has a plan for health care costs and suggested Trump is close to naming a new Federal Reserve chair.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Tariffs and higher health costs could keep prices high for shoppers and raise insurance bills for some households.
Positive Impact
Strong holiday sales, higher wages, and lower interest rates could help workers, borrowers, and some retailers.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:Director Kevin Hassettperson
Candidate Entities7 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Director Kevin HassettpersonPrimaryEvaluated
Central interview subject and White House National Economic Council Director whose statements drive the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - President Donald TrumppersonMajorAI selected
Major referenced decision-maker whose policies and comments are a key focus of the interview.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Scott BessentpersonContextCandidate
Named official cited for an inflation forecast and tax-refund outlook.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Bank of AmericacompanyMinorCandidate
Cited as a source of holiday spending survey data.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - ChinacountryMinorCandidate
Referenced in discussion of trade-war-related shipping disruptions and tariffs.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Goldman SachscompanyMinorCandidate
Cited as a source of holiday spending survey data.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Tonka Trucksbrand / productMentionCandidate
Named commercial brand used as an example of price increases for holiday shoppers.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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