Watch CNBC's full interview with White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 20, 2026 at 13:16  |  11:28  |  CNBC
Speakers
Kevin Hassett — Director, White House National Economic Council
Joe Kernen — Co-Anchor, Squawk Box

Summary

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the U.S. economic outlook and geopolitical risks with CNBC. He attributes recent stock market strength to strong corporate earnings and a robust domestic economy. Hassett argues that resolving tensions with Iran will unlock significant Middle East oil production, leading to lower long-term oil prices. He also comments on inflation progress and supports the nomination of Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair.

  • Kevin Hassett joins 'Squawk Box' for an interview.
  • He attributes stock market resilience to strong U.S. economic fundamentals and corporate earnings.
  • Hassett is optimistic about the progress of U.S.-Iran peace talks.
  • He predicts a long-term decline in oil prices once Middle East energy production increases post-conflict.
  • Hassett highlights U.S. oil production capacity as a market positive.
  • He points to declines in specific inflation items like food and drugs.
  • Hassett strongly endorses Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh.
  • The discussion touches on potential financial support for ally UAE, which Hassett downplays as likely unnecessary.
Trade Ideas
Kevin Hassett Director, White House National Economic Council 1:06
Strong U.S. economy supports market strength.
The strong U.S. domestic economy, driven by tax breaks and strong wage data, combined with positive corporate earnings surprises, underpins market strength. The U.S. is the engine of global growth, making a strong U.S. economy a positive for markets despite Middle East tensions.
Kevin Hassett Director, White House National Economic Council 3:03
Oil prices will fall after Iran resolution.
Once tensions with Iran are resolved, a significant amount of previously suppressed energy production in the Middle East will come online, including from Saudi Arabia's excess capacity, driving oil prices 'way, way down over time.' The removal of the risk premium associated with Iranian misbehavior will unlock this production.
Kevin Hassett Director, White House National Economic Council 3:32
U.S. oil supply capacity is a positive.
The U.S. is the biggest oil producer on Earth and has the capacity to meet demand, which is currently being demonstrated by high levels of ship traffic to the U.S. to fill up with oil. This supply capability is a positive surprise for markets amidst global tension.
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This CNBC video, published April 20, 2026, features Kevin Hassett discussing SPY, WTI, XLE. 3 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Kevin Hassett  · Tickers: SPY, WTI, XLE