Lieu wants Trump to send Hassett to every swing district to talk economy

Rep. Ted Lieu is urging the Trump administration to deploy National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett to competitive districts nationwide to defend the White House's economic record, particularly on consumer prices. Hassett sparked controversy Tuesday by attributing inflationary pressures on American consumers to fallout from U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran, a claim that drew attention for appearing to blame geopolitical conflict rather than domestic policy for economic hardship. Lieu's push reflects Democratic efforts to challenge the administration's economic messaging in districts expected to be competitive in upcoming elections. The move highlights the partisan divide over how to explain lingering consumer concerns about affordability despite recent inflation moderation. Hassett's comments underscore how economic messaging has become central to the White House's political strategy heading into the 2026 midterm cycle.