Hassett Slams Fed Officials for Seeking Hikes Amid 'Subdued' Inflation

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett criticized Federal Reserve policymakers on Wednesday for calling for monetary policy hikes in the face of what he characterized as subdued inflation.

Hassett made his comments at an event at Georgetown University, pointing to a recent annualized core inflation rate of 2% as evidence that tightening monetary policy is not necessary.

He directly questioned why some Fed officials are seeking to hike interest rates in this environment, stating 'Why are they hiking?'

Hassett also expressed concern about the partisanship within the Federal Reserve, stating 'Chairman Kevin Warsh is managing an unusually partisan Fed.'