Krugman Rebuts Hassett's 19% MAGA Economy Claim as Sentiment Hits Record Low
Updated
Updated · AlterNet · May 29
Krugman Rebuts Hassett's 19% MAGA Economy Claim as Sentiment Hits Record Low
2 articles · Updated · AlterNet · May 29
Paul Krugman called Kevin Hassett's claim "stupid" after the White House adviser said record-low Michigan consumer sentiment was being driven by Democrats with "Trump derangement syndrome."
Michigan and YouGov data cited by Krugman point elsewhere: independents view the economy much like Democrats do, while Republican optimism is concentrated among MAGA loyalists.
YouGov found 65% of non-MAGA Republicans say the economy is getting worse, versus only 11% who say it is getting better, undercutting Hassett's argument that partisan Democrats are skewing perceptions.
Krugman argued inflation tied to Trump's tariffs and Iran war has cut real personal income, giving broad public dissatisfaction an economic basis rather than a purely political one.
His broader point was that only about 19% of Americans who support MAGA still say the economy is good, while the other 81% see it as bad.
Why does the economy feel worse than ever, even when compared to the 2008 financial crisis?
With tariffs at their highest since the 1940s, how much is the 'hidden tax' costing American families?