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Hassett Defends Job Gains Amid 'Hiring Recession' Claims

1/10/2026

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Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, defended December 2025 jobs report on Fox Business, saying 50,000 added were not as alarming.
He attributed the low figures to reductions in federal employment and deportations.
He described 2025 as a “hiring recession,” noting 49,000 monthly gains under U.S. President Donald Trump and 168,000 under President Biden.
Hassett is rumored to be Trump’s top choice for the next Federal Reserve chair.

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Story summary

Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, defended December 2025 jobs report on Fox Business, saying 50,000 added were not as alarming.
He attributed the low figures to reductions in federal employment and deportations.
He described 2025 as a “hiring recession,” noting 49,000 monthly gains under U.S. President Donald Trump and 168,000 under President Biden.
Hassett is rumored to be Trump’s top choice for the next Federal Reserve chair.