(NewsNation) — Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is more than halfway through her nationwide “listening tour,” in which she aims to connect workers and business owners in all 50 states.
Chavez-DeRemer, who was preparing to visit her 32nd state, told NewsNation on Friday she believes the U.S. economy is heading in the right direction.
“We are seeing consumer confidence up, employees are back to work, we are keeping more money in their pockets, and that is a testament to the leadership of this president,” Chavez-DeRemer said.
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U.S. gross domestic product has grown by 3.3%, up from an initial estimate of 3.0%, according to a new report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The report comes as President Donald Trump’s feud with the Federal Reserve has intensified, something Chavez-DeRemer said business owners she has spoken with are closely watching.
“I can tell you with the uncertainty that has now settled, one of the things that they are looking for is the Fed, for Jerome Powell, to cut those interest rates so they have access to that capital,” Chavez-DeRemer said.
Trump has demanded the Fed cut interest rates aggressively — but the Fed has been hesitant, sparking frustration and a series of attacks from the president. Trump has pressured Fed chair Jerome Powell and even threatened to fire him, though he lacks the authority to do so. Trump can, however, replace Fed governors as their terms expire.
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Trump is ‘leveling the playing field’ on exports: Labor secretary
Americans aren’t the only ones keeping an eye on the U.S. economy, as countries around the world, such as India, are being tested this week by Trump’s tariff agenda.
“The president, we often say this, is a master negotiator,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I think that’s what the president has been focused on, leveling the playing field for the American consumer and making sure that those tariffs have gone into place so that we are a net exporter.”
Trump’s 50% tariff on more than $80 billion worth of Indian goods, from electronics and jewelry to medical supplies, went into effect this week. Since the U.S. accounts for 20% of India’s exports, analysts have predicted the impact on India’s economy will be significantly greater than the impact on the United States. American import-dependent industries have warned higher costs could be passed on to consumers.
‘We want labor participation to go up’: Lori Chavez-DeRemer
Unemployment rates and layoffs have remained low, but Americans’ concerns about the job market have grown. Chavez-DeRemer said she’d like to see labor participation increase.
“Certainly, as part of the Labor Department, my job is to upskill and reskill and work with our community colleges and our technical schools to make sure that they have the skills they need to go out and get those jobs that are in the labor force,” she said.
