Hassett Calls GDP Data Strong, Expects Job Gains to Accelerate

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Tuesday that recent U.S. gross domestic product data showed strong momentum in the economy and should support higher job growth in the months ahead.

Speaking in a television interview, Hassett said the U.S. economy expanded at a 4.3% annualized pace in the third quarter, exceeding market expectations and reflecting resilient consumer spending and business activity. He said growth at that level creates the conditions for a rebound in hiring after several months of subdued payroll additions.

According to Hassett, job growth could rise to between 100,000 and 150,000 per month as the economy moves into early 2026, provided current growth trends continue. He argued that recent weakness in hiring data does not reflect underlying economic strength but instead temporary factors that have weighed on labor supply and demand.

• Hassett says strong US GDP growth will lift job creation in coming months
• White House adviser expects hiring to accelerate as economic momentum builds
• Strong output growth seen offsetting recent slowdown in US payroll gains

Recent government data showed nonfarm payrolls increased by 64,000 jobs in November, following a revised decline of 105,000 jobs in October. Economists have attributed the slowdown partly to reduced immigration flows and tighter labor conditions. Hassett said the labor market remains fundamentally solid and that stronger output growth will support improved hiring.

Hassett also addressed declining consumer confidence, citing survey data showing households remain cautious about employment prospects and income growth. He said sentiment indicators often lag economic performance and do not fully capture improving fundamentals such as easing inflation and steady wage growth.

On monetary policy, Hassett reiterated his view that interest rates should move lower as inflation pressures continue to cool. He said productivity gains, including those driven by artificial intelligence investment, could help restrain price pressures while supporting growth.

His comments come as policymakers and investors closely watch the direction of the U.S. economy and the outlook for interest rates. Hassett is also among names discussed as a potential successor to Jerome Powell when his term as chair of the Federal Reserve ends in mid-2026.

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The White House has pointed to strong GDP growth as evidence that its economic strategy is delivering results, even as analysts debate whether current momentum can be sustained into next year.