Squawk Pod Kevin Hassett, Sen. Rand Paul, & the Property Brothers 3/17/26
4 snips
Mar 17, 2026 
Rand Paul, U.S. Senator from Kentucky and Homeland Security Committee chair, critiques nominee vetting, trading concerns, and opposes the Iran war. Kevin Hassett, economist and White House NEC director, analyzes the Iran conflict timeline and effects on oil and the U.S. economy. Jonathan and Drew Scott, twin home renovators, tackle regulatory, NIMBY, and cost hurdles to fixing affordable housing.
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Administration Expects Short Iran Campaign
- The White House expects the Iran conflict to be short and contained, framing it as a four to six week campaign.
- Kevin A. Hassett says tankers are already trickling through the Strait of Hormuz and coordinated strategic reserve releases and diplomatic moves reduce long-term disruption risk.
Risk Premium Could Keep Oil Prices Elevated
- Energy futures foresee prices falling back by fall, but officials expect a persistent risk premium keeping longer-term prices elevated.
- Hassett argues Middle East stability and renewed investment could eventually lower oil prices, despite near-term upward pressure.
Officials See U.S. Economy Resilient To Disruption
- The administration views the U.S. economy as resilient to short-term Middle East disruption.
- Hassett cites strong productivity and Business Roundtable CEO sentiment as reasons the conflict shouldn't derail growth if it remains brief.