The White House on Friday contradicted reports that Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, is planning to leave the Trump administration within weeks.
Earlier in the day, Semafor, citing three people it described as familiar with the matter, reported that Hassett had been looking into opportunities beyond the administration since before the Nov. 3 midterm elections and was expected to depart in the coming weeks. The midterms resulted in Democrats retaking both chambers of Congress, an outcome the report characterized as a setback for President Donald Trump.
Responding to the Semafor account, a White House official said, "There is no factual basis for this reporting. Kevin Hassett is a key member of President Trump’s economic team and will continue working to advance President Trump’s economic policies."
The Semafor piece named Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who reportedly could hold both the Treasury post and the NEC director role, and Bessent's counselor, David Zervos, as among those being considered to take over Hassett's duties if he were to depart. The report added that Hassett's plans could still change.
Semafor also framed any potential Hassett exit as the latest episode in what it described as a wave of staffing adjustments at the White House. The outlet noted that last week President Trump replaced his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, with longtime aide Stephen Miller.
The U.S. Treasury Department did not immediately provide comment in response to requests for information.
Hassett's prior White House service includes a tenure as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during President Trump's first term. He departed that role in 2019 and later returned to the administration as a senior adviser during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The report also recalled that Hassett had been under consideration last year as a potential successor to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell; the role ultimately went to Kevin Warsh.
Sections:
- Overview - The White House denies that NEC Director Kevin Hassett plans to leave in the coming weeks, calling reports that he is departing unfounded.
- Potential Successors - Semafor identified Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his counselor David Zervos as possible candidates to assume Hassett's role if he departs, while noting plans could change.
- Staffing Context - The report placed this episode in the context of recent White House personnel moves, including the replacement of Susie Wiles with Stephen Miller as chief of staff.
- Background - Hassett previously led the White House Council of Economic Advisers, left in 2019, returned as a senior adviser during the pandemic, and was once considered to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell.