Kevin Hassett and Cindy McCain address economic challenges on 'This Week'

On June 1, 2025, Kevin Hassett, who serves as the Director of the White House National Economic Council, and Cindy McCain, the Executive Director of the U.N. World Food Programme, participated in a discussion on the program 'This Week with George Stephanopoulos'. Their appearance focused on several economic concerns facing the United States and the global community, especially regarding resource management and illegal immigration policies. During the segment, Hassett addressed the economic ramifications of policy changes, emphasizing the necessity for the U.S. to maintain essential resource availability, particularly steel, in light of potential conflicts. He reiterated the importance of Europe also protecting its steel production to secure its own economic stability. The discussions were not limited to resource management; the panel went into detail about impending legislative actions, particularly regarding spending cuts and reforms in immigration which could see changes in how immigrants interact with social welfare programs. Cindy McCain contributed insights into the World Food Programme's efforts and how global economic policies impact food security. The broader implications of the economic issues discussed could lead to significant changes for both domestic and international policies, particularly affecting vulnerable populations and potential funding for humanitarian aid. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of national decisions with global consequences, highlighting the urgent need for leaders to address these complex issues collaboratively. The episode also featured contributions from other political analysts and commentators, including Evan Osnos and Chris Christie, presenting differing views on the potential challenges ahead for the U.S. government in passing necessary legislation, amidst political discord. Ultimately, the episode sought to illuminate the critical nature of economic policies and the need for heightened dialogue on these pressing issues, ensuring that both the administration and the public are aware and involved in these discussions moving forward.