Americans should be reassured by high prices, apparently. Does Trump's team really think we're that stupid | Arwa Mahdawi
The article critiques the notion that high prices for groceries and other essentials are a positive sign for the economy. It highlights comments from Trump's chief economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, who suggests that increased spending indicates optimism among Americans. The author questions the validity of this perspective, given the rising costs and declining consumer sentiment.
- ▪Kevin Hassett, Trump's chief economic adviser, claims that high prices are a good thing for the economy.
- ▪The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index recently dropped to its lowest point since 1952.
- ▪Hassett acknowledges increased stress on credit cards but frames it positively as a sign of optimism.
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Expensive groceries are good, apparently. Photograph: Posed by model; Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenExpensive groceries are good, apparently. Photograph: Posed by model; Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty ImagesOpinionDonald TrumpAmericans should be reassured by high prices, apparently. Does Trump’s team really think we’re that stupid? Arwa MahdawiAccording to chief economic adviser Kevin Hassett, living in the world’s richest superpower and witnessing food, electricity and housing become luxury items is a good thingWed 3 Jun 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 3 Jun 2026 06.04 EDTShareGod, 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…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
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