Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — September 5
Sep 5, 2025
Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director, dives into the latest August jobs report, revealing troubling trends with stagnant job growth and increasing unemployment. Peter Alexander, NBC's Chief White House Correspondent, shares insights on the White House's response to these economic concerns. Former President Donald Trump discusses his views on the rebranding of the Department of Defense, emphasizing a strategic shift. The conversation navigates complex economic implications and political ramifications that could shape the national landscape.
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Modernize Jobs Data Collection
- Hassett urges modernizing BLS data collection because paper surveys lag and cause big revisions.
- He cites Homebase as a modern alternative that reported 150,000 jobs in August.
Wages Outpacing Inflation Claim
- Hassett claims real wages rose, giving Americans more purchasing power despite inflation concerns.
- He attributes disinflation to supply-side policies like tax cuts and deregulation.
Administration Stands By Tariff Authority
- Hassett defends tariffs as a trade regulation tool and expresses confidence in legal authority to impose them.
- He declined to detail contingency plans if the Supreme Court limits presidential tariff powers.