‘We launched a drug war, not a trade war’: Kevin Hassett

Kevin Hassett, the former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Donald Trump, recently made headlines with his bold statement that the United States has launched a “drug war, not a trade war.”

Hassett, who is known for his conservative economic views, was referring to the escalating trade tensions between the US and China, which have been a major focus of the Trump administration. While many experts and politicians have criticized Trump’s trade policies as harmful to the US economy, Hassett argues that the real threat to American prosperity lies in the opioid epidemic.

According to Hassett, the opioid crisis is costing the US economy billions of dollars each year in lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and law enforcement costs. He believes that addressing this crisis should be a top priority for the government, even if it means taking a more aggressive stance against drug trafficking and abuse.

Hassett’s comments come at a time when the Trump administration is facing increasing pressure to reach a trade deal with China and resolve the ongoing trade war. The two countries have been engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff battle for over a year, with both sides imposing tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of each other’s goods.

While the trade war has had a negative impact on both economies, with farmers, manufacturers, and consumers feeling the pinch, Hassett argues that the opioid crisis poses a far greater threat to the American way of life. He believes that the government should focus on combating drug trafficking, improving access to addiction treatment, and addressing the root causes of addiction in order to protect the health and well-being of American citizens.

Hassett’s comments have sparked a debate among economists, policymakers, and the public about the best way to address the various challenges facing the US economy. Some agree with his assessment that the opioid crisis is a more pressing issue than the trade war, while others argue that both issues require attention and resources in order to ensure a strong and prosperous future for the country.

Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that Kevin Hassett’s provocative statement has brought much-needed attention to the opioid crisis and the need for comprehensive solutions to combat drug abuse and addiction in the United States. Whether or not his views will influence government policy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the debate over the best path forward for the US economy is far from over.