Expensive groceries are good, apparently. That is the message from Donald Trump's chief economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, who went on Fox News to assure Americans that rising costs are actually a positive sign. According to Hassett, living in the world's richest superpower and witnessing food, electricity and housing become luxury items is a good thing.
Hassett dismissed the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index, which dropped to its lowest point since 1952, claiming it is merely a place for Democrats to register anger at President Trump. He acknowledged some increased stress on credit cards but framed it as optimism about the future.
Columnist Arwa Mahdawi pushes back, questioning whether the administration truly believes Americans are that naive. She notes that heavy Fox News viewers tend to be less informed, but argues that ignoring bank balances is unrealistic. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged gratitude that things are not worse, as fuel prices soar.
Mahdawi concludes with sarcasm: next time you feel sticker shock, remind yourself how lucky you are to have Trump as president.
