Robust post-Thanksgiving sales defy economic doomsayers, White House’s chief economist says

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that retailers enjoyed a “blockbuster” sales weekend after Thanksgiving despite narratives about economic pessimism under President Trump.

Mr. Hassett, speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” said online sales were up 10% year-over-year, while store sales increased 4%.

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The administration says inflation has cooled since the Biden years. It expects the economy to improve heading into 2026 as Mr. Trump’s tax and deregulation policies take hold.

“Wages have been growing faster than prices,” Mr. Hassett said Sunday. “That’s why we could have a great Black Friday and great Thanksgiving sales weekend because people feel like they have more money in their pockets.”

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“People are going to get really, really big refunds,” Mr. Hassett said.

* Original Article:

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/nov/30/kevin-hassett-wh-economic-chief-robust-post-thanksgiving-retail-sales/