Kevin Hassett on Government Shutdown: Democrats Holding Americans Hostage

Government Shutdown Blamed on Democrats

• 🎯 Democrats are accused of holding all Americans hostage by causing a government shutdown.
• ⚠️ Government workers are not being paid, and essential services like food stamps and travel plans are impacted.
• 💡 Hassett states the government is meant to be open and fully funded, attributing the shutdown to Democrats' opposition to President Trump's success.

President Trump's Role and Asian Trade Deals

• 🚀 President Trump has been successful in negotiating historic deals with Asian allies, including a significant agreement with China.
• 🤝 This deal involves China continuing to pay tariffs and increasing trade with the US, benefiting American farmers.
• 🗣️ Hassett emphasizes that the issue lies with the Senate, not the President, and that senators need to fulfill their duties.

Democratic Opposition and Filibuster

• 🎭 Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and AOC, are described as taking orders and acting as the opposite of a moderating influence.
• 👶 Their actions are likened to a "hissy fit of a 2-year-old," with no apparent sense.
• ❓ The possibility of Democrats keeping the government closed until President Trump is out of office is raised as a concern.

Economic Health and Federal Reserve Actions

• 📈 The US economy is described as very strong, with third-quarter GDP close to 4% growth.
• 📉 The government shutdown is expected to reduce GDP numbers, particularly in the fourth quarter.
• 🏦 The Federal Reserve's decision to reduce interest rates is welcomed, but their potential backing away from future rate reductions is seen as puzzling given the economic backdrop and the Fed flying blind due to the shutdown.