Americans should be reassured by high prices, apparently. Does Trump’s team really think we’re that stupid?
- +Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian columnist
God, I love paying high prices at the supermarket, don’t you? I walk outside with a bag of basics that cost approximately 500% more than they did a few years ago and it makes me feel so optimistic about life. What a wonderful thing to live in the US – the world’s richest superpower – and witness food, electricity and housing become luxury items.
God, I love paying high prices at the supermarket, don’t you?
Donald Trump’s chief economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, knows what I mean. On Sunday Hassett went on Fox News to inform the US public that high prices are good, actually. Trust him – he’s an economist. Yes, it’s true that last month the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dropped to its lowest point since the survey began in 1952 and Americans are feeling grim about the economy. But as Hassett explained, “The Michigan survey no longer has anything to do with the economy … it’s just a place where Democrats get to register how angry they are at President Trump.”
Hassett did acknowledge “some increased stress” on credit cards, but framed it as a positive development. “One of the reasons is that people are spending more money on gas, but they’re also spending more on everything else. Not just groceries, but restaurants, and so on,” Hassett said. “I think that’s a sign you would see when people are optimistic about the future.”
Oh, come on now. Really? I know his intended audience might not have the highest critical thinking skills – one survey found heavy Fox News viewers tended to be “even less informed than those who say they don’t watch any news at all” – but does he really think Americans are that stupid? Does he really think he can just say “Things are great!” and everyone will ignore their bank balance and nod in agreement?
I don’t know what Hassett’s thinking. But at least he’s thinking, I suppose. Last month Trump said that he didn’t concern himself with the economic impact of his war on Iran. “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,” Trump said. “I don’t think about anybody.” Meanwhile the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, who is gunning to replace Trump in the White House in 2028, thinks we plebs should be thankful things aren’t worse. The US is in a “very fortunate” position, Rubio said in May, as fuel prices soared. Hear that, everyone? Next time you feel sticker shock from buying your dinner, remind yourself just how lucky you are. Groceries may be expensive, but having Trump as the president? Priceless.
Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian columnist
