Kevin Hassett would like you to know he is not going anywhere. The National Economic Council director on Friday rejected a report that he is expected to leave the White House in the coming weeks, telling CNBC's Eamon Javers in a text message that the report is 'not true.'
That denial came after Semafor published a report earlier Friday citing sources who said Hassett 'has been inquiring about roles outside the administration,' even before Republicans' heavy losses in the Nov. 3 midterm election. So either Hassett is genuinely staying put, or he is doing the time-honored Washington dance of denying a departure right up until the moment the moving truck arrives. Either way, the rumor mill is spinning.
According to the Semafor report, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his counselor, David Zervos, are among the names being floated as potential successors. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Departures Mount After Democrats Flip Congress
Several Trump administration officials have stepped down since Democrats flipped Congress in the midterm, upending the president's plans for the rest of his term. Recently, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles left her position, and Stephen Miller took over. Since Election Day, two Justice Department officials have also departed: Harmeet Dhillon, who served as a leader in the Civil Rights Division, and John Eisenberg, who headed the National Security Division.
Following the midterm election loss, President Donald Trump signaled more changes could follow. Trump said there may be 'a few changes' to his team but declined to name who.
The National Economic Council helps coordinate economic policy across the White House, including issues such as trade and taxes. Its director advises the president on these matters. So the post matters, and the speculation around it is not just palace intrigue. For now, Hassett says the report is wrong. But in this White House, the only thing more common than a denial is a resignation.
