White House Adviser Kevin Hassett Says September Inflation Needs Attention

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Monday that September’s consumer price reading warrants further attention as the Federal Reserve watches spending and the path of inflation.

Hassett said prices for beef and eggs have fallen. The broader inflation picture concerned him after the previous three months appeared to show inflation under control. He left open whether September marked a break from the recent downward trend or a temporary fluctuation.

Hassett also described consumers as optimistic about the economy and spending more. He said the Fed needs to watch that spending, without drawing a direct link between consumers’ optimism and their purchases.

He said he respects the central bank’s independence and expects Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to make his own judgment.

On Sept. 23, Hassett questioned further Fed rate hikes while citing recent annualized core inflation near 2%. Those earlier comments came amid a policy dispute between the White House and the central bank over another possible rate increase in 2026.