Hassett Slams Partisan Fed for Hiking Rates Amid Low Inflation

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett criticized Federal Reserve policymakers at an event at Georgetown University on September 23, 2026. He targeted those who haven't been appointed by President Donald Trump and are seeking to tighten monetary policy in response to inflation.

Hassett characterized the recent annualized core inflation rate as 'subdued' at 2%, asking why policymakers would hike interest rates against this backdrop. He also accused Chairman Kevin Warsh of managing an 'unusually partisan Fed', implying that politics is influencing monetary decisions.