Wolfers Swallows Fly During Live CNN Interview on Economy

CNN host Omar Jimenez was interviewing University of Michigan professor and economist Justin Wolfers on August 9, 2026. The discussion centered around recently confirmed Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh and the Bureau of Labor Statistics' jobs report. Wolfers shared an optimistic outlook on the economy, saying 'The good news is the U.S. labor market, roughly speaking, has been The Little Engine That Could.'

However, his train of thought was derailed when he accidentally swallowed a fly during the live broadcast. Jimenez ignored the interruption and continued with the conversation.

The economist coughed intermittently throughout the segment, but Wolfers eventually composed himself and played into the humor of the moment. He said 'Mate, I just swallowed a fly on live television!' before mimicking grabbing the insect out of the air and putting it in his mouth.