Trump Adviser Kevin Hassett Says AI Is Not Yet Cutting Jobs, But Workers Must Learn to Use It
Trump Adviser Kevin Hassett Says AI Is Not Yet Cutting Jobs, But Workers Must Learn to Use It
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the Trump administration does not currently see clear evidence that artificial intelligence is reducing jobs across the U.S. economy, while warning that workers should quickly learn how to use AI tools to stay competitive.
Speaking on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Hassett described AI as a powerful productivity tool rather than an immediate job-destroying force. He said the White House is studying how AI affects hiring, wages, prices, and business investment. Bloomberg also reported that Hassett said the administration does not plan to create a large new bureaucracy to approve AI products.
AI, Jobs, and the Trump Administration’s Economic Message
Hassett’s comments come as companies, workers, and policymakers debate whether AI will replace human labor or create new types of work. Many businesses are already using AI to write code, analyze data, answer customer questions, prepare reports, and improve office workflows.
However, Hassett argued that the current labor market does not show a broad collapse caused by AI. Instead, he suggested that AI may be helping workers produce more in less time. That higher productivity, in the White House view, could support economic growth and reduce pressure on prices.
Hassett Encourages Workers to Learn AI
One of Hassett’s clearest messages was aimed directly at workers: learn how to use AI. He said people who understand AI tools may be better prepared for the next phase of the economy.
This does not mean every worker must become a programmer. Rather, it means employees in many fields may need to use AI for daily tasks, such as research, writing, scheduling, design, customer service, marketing, finance, and operations.
No Major New AI Approval Agency Planned
Hassett also said the White House does not want a giant federal agency that would approve AI systems before they reach the market. His remarks suggest the administration favors a lighter regulatory approach, focused more on innovation and national competitiveness than heavy pre-approval rules.
That approach fits with earlier reporting that the administration wants a single national AI framework rather than a patchwork of state-level rules. Reuters reported in December 2025 that White House officials planned to work with Congress on a unified AI policy structure.
AI Could Boost Productivity and Lower Inflation Pressure
Hassett has previously linked AI and capital investment to stronger productivity. Reuters reported in April 2026 that he argued AI-driven productivity gains could create a “supply shock” that helps reduce inflation and gives the Federal Reserve more room to cut interest rates.
In simple terms, if companies can produce more goods and services with the same number of workers, costs may rise more slowly. That could help consumers, businesses, and financial markets. Still, economists remain divided over how quickly AI productivity gains will appear in official data.
Why Workers Are Still Worried
Even if AI has not caused major job losses yet, many workers remain concerned. Entry-level office jobs, software roles, writing jobs, support positions, and research-heavy roles may face the most pressure because AI tools can already perform parts of those tasks.
Some companies may choose to hire fewer junior workers if AI allows current employees to handle more work. That does not always show up as layoffs. Instead, it may appear as slower hiring, fewer internships, or fewer first-job opportunities for young workers.
Business Leaders Are Moving Fast
Across the economy, executives are investing in AI systems to improve speed and reduce costs. This includes banks, retailers, manufacturers, hospitals, law firms, media companies, and technology firms.
For employers, the promise is clear: AI can help teams move faster. For workers, the challenge is also clear: people who ignore AI may fall behind people who use it well.
What This Means for the Future of Work
The future job market will likely be shaped by both automation and augmentation. Automation means AI takes over a task. Augmentation means AI helps a human do the task better.
Many experts believe augmentation will be more common in the near term. A worker may still make decisions, speak with customers, manage projects, or check quality, while AI handles drafts, summaries, calculations, or pattern recognition.
Skills That May Matter More
As AI spreads, workers may benefit from strengthening skills that machines cannot easily replace. These include communication, judgment, creativity, leadership, ethics, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Technical comfort will also matter. Workers who know how to ask AI clear questions, check AI’s answers, protect private information, and improve AI-generated work may have an advantage.
Political Debate Over AI Regulation
The Trump administration’s lighter approach to AI oversight will likely face debate in Congress. Supporters may argue that fewer rules help American companies compete with China and other global rivals. Critics may argue that stronger safeguards are needed to protect workers, privacy, safety, and consumers.
The key policy question is how to encourage innovation without allowing harm. That debate is expected to grow as AI becomes more powerful and more common in daily work.
Conclusion
Kevin Hassett’s message is both optimistic and cautious. He says AI is not clearly destroying jobs right now, but he also believes workers must adapt quickly. The White House sees AI as a major force for productivity, investment, and economic growth, while avoiding a large new bureaucracy to regulate the industry.
For workers, the lesson is practical: AI may not replace everyone, but people who know how to use AI may replace people who do not. The safest path is to learn the tools, build human skills, and stay flexible as the economy changes.
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