Justin Bieber is reclaiming the spotlight in 2026 with high-profile stage returns, including a much-anticipated Grammy Awards performance and headlining spots at Coachella, signaling a deliberate resurgence in his music career after a period of relative quiet focused on family and personal well-being.

The 32-year-old Canadian superstar, who turned 32 on March 1, celebrated his birthday in low-key fashion with wife Hailey Bieber and their son Jack Blues Bieber, sharing an intimate Instagram post captioned “no one id rather spend my birthday withhh.” The understated gathering at their Los Angeles home contrasted with the buzz surrounding his professional moves, as Bieber continues to balance fatherhood with renewed creative output.

Bieber’s first major public appearance of the year came at the 68th Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, where he performed for the first time since 2022. Nominated for Album of the Year for his 2025 R&B-leaning release “Swag,” he delivered a shirtless rendition that unveiled a massive new back tattoo, drawing widespread attention from fans and media. The performance marked his return to Music’s Biggest Night after a four-year hiatus, with the Recording Academy confirming the slot in late January amid excitement over his evolving sound.

“Swag,” released July 11, 2025, through Def Jam Recordings and ILH Productions, peaked at No. 1 on the Top R&B Albums chart and featured standout tracks like “Yukon,” “Daisies,” “405,” “All I Can Take,” “Things You Do” and “Walking Away.” Described as a genre-bending project that traded pop anthems for R&B conviction, the 21-track album set the stage for further releases. Bieber followed with “Swag II,” a more pop-oriented companion project unveiled in September 2025, keeping momentum alive as he prepares for larger live showcases.

The Grammys performance preceded confirmation of Bieber as a headliner for Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2026, with dates set for April 11 and April 18 in Indio, California. Sources indicate he will perform material from both “Swag” albums, potentially debuting fresh tracks. Bieber has shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of rehearsals via live streams on Twitch, building anticipation among Beliebers for what could be his most significant stage presence since health challenges prompted a break from touring.

Plans for a full global 2026 concert tour were reportedly paused late last year, with insiders citing Bieber’s priority on “protecting his mental space.” Despite earlier speculation about extensive dates, the singer has shifted focus to smaller, intimate performances and personal projects, including his fashion brand SKYLRK. He frequently promotes the line on Instagram, collaborating with Hailey on drops and sharing family-oriented content that highlights their life together.

Fatherhood remains central for Bieber and Hailey, who welcomed son Jack Blues in August 2024 after announcing the pregnancy during a vow renewal in Hawaii that May. Hailey recently opened up on the “SHE MD” podcast about the surprise nature of the pregnancy, revealing doctors had cautioned her about potential issues due to a uterine septum. “It was a surprise,” she said, noting the condition required monitoring before conceiving. The couple has kept Jack largely out of the public eye, sharing only occasional glimpses like baby feet photos or family outings.

Recent sightings show the Biebers maintaining a strong public presence as a unit. They were photographed packing on the PDA during a Beverly Hills lunch date in early March, and Justin was spotted tossing a water bottle at photographers after a tense exit from Sushi Park in West Hollywood on March 7. Such incidents underscore the ongoing scrutiny the couple faces, yet they continue to project unity amid persistent rumors about their marriage.

Bieber’s creative output extends beyond music. He has teased ongoing studio work and expressed openness to future projects, though no new album has been formally announced for 2026 beyond the “Swag” series. His departure from previous brand Drew House in 2025 and focus on SKYLRK reflect a broader pivot toward entrepreneurial ventures and family stability.

Fans have embraced the evolution, with social media buzzing over Coachella preparations and birthday tributes. Bieber’s mother, Pattie Mallette, posted heartfelt wishes for her son, hoping the year brings “clarity, confidence, redemption, and God’s direction.” The performer’s spiritual side, long a part of his public narrative, appears to guide his current chapter.

As Bieber gears up for Coachella, the festival will mark his first major headline slot in years, potentially paving the way for more live dates if he chooses. Industry observers note his strategic approach—prioritizing health, family and selective appearances—has positioned him for sustainable longevity in an industry that once defined him as a teen sensation.

With “Swag” and “Swag II” earning critical praise and Grammy consideration, Bieber’s 2026 trajectory suggests a mature phase: less about constant touring and more about meaningful moments on stage and at home. Whether this leads to additional music drops or expanded family plans remains to be seen, but the pop icon shows no signs of fading from relevance.

For now, Beliebers eagerly await April’s desert performances, where Bieber is expected to deliver the high-energy shows that first catapulted him to global fame—now infused with the perspective of a husband, father and artist in his prime.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Golf influencer and former professional Paige Spiranac has turned heads once again, this time not with her swing or signature style, but with a lighthearted tribute to one of her most consistent online supporters—a fan who has reliably left the same two-word compliment on virtually every post for years.

In a March 12, 2026, post on X (formerly Twitter), Spiranac, 32, shared the amusing revelation amid her coverage of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. “There is this guy who comments ‘great cans’ on everything I post,” she wrote. “In a world full of hate and despair I know he will always be there for me to lift my spirits.”

To underscore her point, Spiranac included a screenshot showcasing the fan’s persistent commentary across multiple recent posts, often appearing in her Instagram comments or direct messages. She added, “He’s never missed a post for years,” highlighting the remarkable dedication that has endured through countless uploads of golf tips, fashion shoots, lifestyle content and more.

The phrase “great cans”—slang referring to a woman’s breasts—carries a cheeky, objectifying tone that might ruffle feathers in other contexts. Yet Spiranac framed it with humor and appreciation, positioning the fan’s reliability as a rare positive constant in an often-toxic online environment. Her post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of likes, reposts and replies from followers who celebrated the irony and commitment.

Fans flooded the comments with playful responses. One wrote, “If that isn’t a testament to commitment, nothing is.” Another quipped, “Consistency is key—props to the guy for showing up every time.” Others joined in the jest, with remarks like “Great cans fo sho” and suggestions that the fan deserved some form of recognition for his loyalty.

Spiranac’s ability to laugh at herself and embrace the absurdity resonated widely. The influencer, who boasts more than 4 million followers on Instagram and over 5.5 million across platforms, has long navigated a mix of admiration and criticism. Known for blending golf instruction with glamorous photoshoots, she has faced scrutiny over her content’s focus on appearance, including past uncomfortable encounters with overly forward followers. Yet she has consistently defended her approach, emphasizing authenticity and empowerment.

This latest anecdote arrived during a busy period for Spiranac. She has been on-site at The Players Championship, delivering real-time content, swing analyses and behind-the-scenes glimpses for her audience. Her presence at the PGA Tour’s flagship event underscores her growing influence in the golf world, where she bridges traditional fans with a younger, social-media-savvy demographic.

The story also comes after Spiranac addressed stepping back from social media earlier in 2026. In a February post, she mentioned being “in a bit of a funk” and needing time to recharge, a candid admission that humanized her amid the constant demands of content creation. Her return to active posting, including the fan shoutout, suggests she’s in a more positive headspace, using humor to connect with her community.

Spiranac’s brand extends beyond viral moments. She hosts the “Playing a Round” podcast, offers golf instruction through her Paige Spiranac Golf channel and collaborates on merchandise and sponsorships. Her content often mixes practical advice—like grip tips and course strategy—with personal flair, including fashion hauls and fitness routines. This blend has helped her amass a dedicated following while sparking debates about women’s roles in sports media.

The “great cans” saga fits into Spiranac’s pattern of owning her narrative. Rather than ignoring or deleting repetitive comments, she spotlighted one for its steadfastness, turning potential negativity into a moment of levity. Observers note that her self-aware response disarms critics and endears her to supporters who appreciate the transparency.

As coverage of The Players Championship continues—with top players vying for the season’s first major-level title—Spiranac remains a focal point off the course. Her posts from the event have included outfit-of-the-day features, fan interactions and light commentary on tournament drama, all while maintaining her signature mix of expertise and entertainment.

The fan in question remains anonymous in public reports, but Spiranac’s endorsement has likely boosted his visibility among her audience. Whether he continues the streak—or evolves his commentary—remains to be seen. For now, the episode serves as a reminder of the unique parasocial relationships that thrive on social media, where consistency, even in jest, can forge unexpected bonds.

Spiranac has not indicated any plans to track down or directly thank the fan beyond the public post, but her words suggest genuine amusement at his persistence. In an era of fleeting online attention, the story highlights how small, repeated gestures can stand out amid the noise.

As Spiranac continues building her empire in golf and influencer spheres, moments like this reinforce her appeal: unapologetic, humorous and relatable. Her shoutout to the loyal commenter may be one of the lighter stories to emerge from The Players Championship, but it has sparked smiles—and perhaps a few copycat comments—across her feeds.

As screen sizes continue to grow in popularity for home entertainment, 70-inch TVs offer an ideal balance of immersive viewing and manageable footprint for most living rooms. While exact 70-inch models remain limited—often budget-oriented—shoppers frequently turn to the closely related 75-inch and 77-inch classes, where premium technologies like OLED, QD-OLED and advanced Mini-LED dominate 2026 recommendations.

Experts from RTINGS.com, CNET, PCMag, TechRadar and Consumer Reports highlight a mix of high-end performers and value-driven options. True 70-inch sets tend to be entry-level LED models from brands like Samsung, LG and Hisense, but the best overall experiences come from stepping up to 75- or 77-inch versions for superior brightness, contrast and features.

Here are the top five recommendations for large-screen TVs in the 70-inch category for 2026, based on recent lab tests, real-world performance and current availability.

1. **Samsung S95F QD-OLED (77-inch)** — Best Overall Premium Pick

Samsung’s flagship QD-OLED series leads RTINGS.com’s rankings for 70-75-77 inch TVs in 2026. The 77-inch S95F delivers exceptional image quality with vibrant colors, near-infinite contrast and peak brightness that outperforms traditional OLEDs in bright rooms. It supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision (via updates in some regions) and boasts low input lag for gaming at up to 165Hz.

Reviewers praise its anti-reflective coating and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for family movie nights or sports viewing. Priced as a premium option, it excels in color volume and accuracy, earning top marks for HDR performance. Available in 77-inch (closest to 70-inch premium), it’s a standout for those prioritizing cinematic quality over exact size matching.

2. **LG G5 OLED (77-inch or 75-inch variants)** — Best for Color Accuracy and Versatility

CNET awarded the LG G5 its first Labs Award for Best Color Accuracy in 2026, calling it a “massive improvement” over predecessors. This OLED model shines with pixel-perfect blacks, excellent upscaling and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG. It offers strong gaming features, including four HDMI 2.1 ports, 120Hz (up to 165Hz in some modes) and VRR.

Available in 77-inch for OLED purists and select 75-inch configurations, the G5 handles bright environments better than prior generations while maintaining OLED’s signature contrast. TechRadar and PCMag note its value in the high-end segment, especially for mixed-use—movies, gaming and streaming.

3. **TCL QM8K / QM7K Mini-LED (75-inch)** — Best Mid-Range Value

TCL’s Mini-LED lineup, particularly the 75QM8K, tops mid-range charts on RTINGS.com and appears in multiple “best 75-inch” lists. With thousands of local dimming zones, it achieves high brightness for HDR content and impressive contrast for an LCD-based TV. Google TV integration provides a smooth smart platform, plus 144Hz refresh rates for gaming.

The QM7K variant offers similar performance at a lower price point, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers seeking big-screen impact. CNET and Business Insider highlight TCL’s affordability without major sacrifices in picture quality, positioning these as go-to options for sports enthusiasts and casual viewers.

4. **Hisense U8QG / U65QF Mini-LED (75-inch)** — Best Budget Bright-Room Performer

Hisense continues its rise with models like the 75U8QG, praised by PCMag and TechRadar for bold brightness and solid gaming credentials. Mini-LED backlighting delivers deep blacks and vivid colors, with support for Dolby Vision and high refresh rates. It’s particularly strong in well-lit rooms, where many OLEDs struggle.

The U65QF series earns “best budget” nods from PCMag for larger sizes, offering excellent value under $1,500 in some configurations. Consumer Reports includes Hisense in top-performing big-screen lists, citing great HDR and sound quality that reduces the need for external audio setups.

5. **Samsung S90F QD-OLED (77-inch)** — Best Balanced Mid-to-High End

Business Insider and CNET name the Samsung S90F as a top overall pick, blending QD-OLED excellence with relative affordability compared to flagships. It features wide color gamut, low reflection and gaming perks like 4K at 144Hz. The 77-inch version provides immersive scale with minimal compromises on contrast or motion handling.

Reviewers appreciate its lightweight design and easy setup, making it practical for wall mounting. It serves as a strong alternative to the S95F for those wanting premium OLED without the absolute top-tier price.

Key considerations for 2026 buyers include panel type: OLED excels in dark-room contrast and perfect blacks, while Mini-LED/QLED offers superior brightness for daytime viewing. Gaming features like HDMI 2.1, VRR and low latency matter for consoles, and smart platforms (webOS, Google TV, Tizen) affect usability.

Prices fluctuate with promotions, but 75-77 inch premiums range from $1,000-$3,000+, with budget LEDs closer to $800-$1,200. Availability favors 75-inch for LED/Mini-LED and 77-inch for OLED due to manufacturing standards.

As CES 2026 innovations like tandem OLED and RGB Mini-LED roll out, these models represent the current cream of the crop. Shoppers should check retailer deals and read hands-on reviews for the latest firmware updates enhancing performance.

Whether prioritizing cinema-grade blacks, blazing HDR brightness or wallet-friendly size, these five stand out in 2026’s competitive large-screen market.

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Dolly Parton returned to Dollywood on Friday to kick off the park’s 41st season, reassuring fans about her health while celebrating a major milestone year for both the park and the country.

Parton said she has recently stepped back from touring to focus on her health and personal life, but emphasized she remains energized about the future.

“I have not been touring, as you know,” Parton said. “I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them… I just kind of got worn down and worn out, grieving over Carl and a lot of other little things going on. I just got myself kind of where I needed to build myself back up spiritually, emotionally and physically. But all is good. It didn’t slow me down.”

DOLLY PARTON $650M EMPIRE: FROM HUMBLE ROOTS TO QUEEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC, MOVIES AND NOW MAKEUP

Dolly Parton opened the 41st season of her Dollywood theme park. (Bridget Bennett/AFP via Getty Images)

Parton also addressed rumors about her personal life, saying she does not plan to remarry following the death of her husband, Carl Dean.

“Well, I know there’s a lot of rumors going around, but I did not marry Sylvester Stallone,” she joked. “And I am not dating anybody. I’m not married. I don’t think I’ll ever be married but once. I think Carl Dean’s waiting for me on the other side.”

The beloved country music icon appeared at the park as Dollywood launches its new season with celebrations tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, including patriotic décor, new entertainment and demonstrations of traditional Appalachian craftsmanship.

The Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (The Dollywood Co.)

DOLLY PARTON SHARES THE ONE PART OF HER BUSINESS EMPIRE THAT SHE’S ‘REALLY, REALLY PROUD OF’

Park officials say the heritage of the Smoky Mountains remains central to the experience.

“Here we are in the middle of God’s country,” Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, told FOX Business. “The love of the Smoky Mountains is one of the things that locks people into wanting to come here, and we’re fortunate to have the No. 1 visited national park just 6 miles away.”

Dollywood is also unveiling a major new attraction this season, the $50 million indoor adventure coaster NightFlight Expedition, inspired by the bioluminescent synchronous fireflies that light up the Smoky Mountains each summer.

The park, ranked Tripadvisor’s No. 1 theme park in the U.S., continues to expand its footprint as tourism in the East Tennessee region grows. The company has already developed two resorts and plans additional lodging.

The HeartSong Lodge and Resort with the DreamMore Resort and Spa in the background. (The Dollywood Co.)

“We’ve master-planned a total of five resorts on the property,” Naughton said. “We own 1,142 acres, and there are about 46 million people who live within a nine-hour drive of our property who are theme park users. I’m really excited to tell more people in the world about the cool things that are going on here.”

DOLLY PARTON’S HOME ON WHEELS TURNED INTO $10,000 HOTEL SUITE

Beyond the Smoky Mountains, Parton is also expanding her hospitality presence in Tennessee.

“Of course, we’ve got the new hotel, Songteller, that’s going to open sometime in late summer, early fall in Nashville,” she said.

Dollywood’s growth comes as the broader theme park industry faces economic pressure. Data from Consumer Edge shows spending at U.S. theme parks fell about 5% last summer compared with 2024, as rising costs led some lower- and middle-income families to cut back on travel and entertainment.

Park leaders say Dollywood’s focus on family experiences and regional culture helps it stand out.

“It’s very family-oriented,” said Julie Collins, a locomotive engineer and foreman at Dollywood. “We love to have families come up and ride the train. Some kids have never seen a real steam locomotive before, so it’s their first time. That’s what they come here for. It’s kind of a little kid’s dream.”

The Dollywood Express steam train at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. (The Dollywood Co.)

For Parton, the park’s success ultimately comes down to something simpler than rides or investments.

“I pray a lot, and God’s been really good to me,” she said. “But, I think so much of it has to do with great management and how we treat people… They feel loved and appreciated, and we want them to always feel that way.”

Dollywood officially opened to the public on Friday with the I Will Always Love You Festival, launching what the park hopes will be a strong season in the Smoky Mountains.

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Parton said fans should expect even more projects ahead.

“I’ve just been doing a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, a lot of praying and a lot of getting ready for a lot of new stuff coming up,” she said. “Be ready for me. I ain’t done. I ain’t near done.”

Galaxy Digital Inc. (Nasdaq: GLXY), the digital asset and infrastructure company led by Mike Novogratz, saw its shares climb sharply in recent trading, closing up 8.34% at $22.35 on March 13, 2026, amid a broader cryptocurrency market rebound and optimism around its expanding data center operations.

The stock opened at $21.61 and ranged between $21.51 and $22.39 during the session, with volume reaching 7,055,805 shares—above the average of about 6.4 million. After-hours trading saw a slight dip to $22.25. The gain followed a volatile period, with the shares trading around $20.63 the previous close and reflecting sensitivity to Bitcoin’s price movements and institutional crypto adoption trends.

Galaxy Digital, founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, operates across digital assets trading, asset management, principal investments and increasingly data center infrastructure. The company’s Helios campus in Texas has become a key growth driver, with recent expansions positioning it to capitalize on demand for high-performance computing tied to artificial intelligence and blockchain.

On January 15, 2026, Galaxy announced ERCOT approval for an additional 830 megawatts of power at Helios, doubling the site’s total approved capacity to 1.6 gigawatts. The expansion supports hosting agreements, including a deal to deliver 133 megawatts of IT load to CoreWeave in the first half of 2026 under Phase I. CEO Mike Novogratz has described the convergence of Bitcoin and AI as “the single most important macro trend of 2026,” highlighting stable revenue streams from data center hosting as a hedge against crypto volatility.

The stock’s recent performance also ties to a significant corporate restructuring. On March 3, 2026, Galaxy announced it would voluntarily delist its Class A common stock from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), where it previously traded under GLXY.TO. The delisting took effect at the close of markets on March 19, 2026, leaving Nasdaq as the sole listing venue. The move streamlines operations following the company’s 2025 reorganization and domestication as a Delaware-incorporated entity.

To support shareholder value amid the transition, the board approved a $200 million share repurchase program in early February 2026. The initiative signals confidence in the company’s fundamentals despite a challenging 2025, when Galaxy reported a net loss of $241 million—partly due to restructuring costs—and a steeper $482 million net loss in the fourth quarter alone, contributing to a share price drop of over 14% in early February.

Analysts remain largely bullish. Coverage initiations and updates in early 2026 included a new “buy” rating from Citizens with a $60 price target, while the average analyst target sits around $43-44, implying significant upside from current levels. Wall Street forecasts for 2026 earnings vary, with some projecting continued losses tied to market conditions, but optimism centers on revenue diversification.

Galaxy’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, released February 3, 2026, underscored the shift toward infrastructure. While trading and principal investments faced headwinds from crypto market fluctuations, data center revenue showed promise. The company highlighted progress in tokenized assets, including a landmark J.P. Morgan-arranged short-term bond issuance on the Solana blockchain in 2025, and ongoing efforts in crypto ETFs and institutional services.

Bitcoin’s performance has heavily influenced GLXY shares, given Galaxy’s exposure through trading desks, mining (via Helios) and asset management. The cryptocurrency’s rally in early 2026—pushing it toward new highs in some periods—lifted sentiment across crypto-related equities. Galaxy’s beta of 3.68 reflects its high volatility relative to broader markets, making it a leveraged play on digital assets.

The 52-week range for GLXY spans $8.20 (hit in April 2025) to $45.92 (October 2025), illustrating the stock’s sensitivity to crypto cycles. Market capitalization stands at approximately $8.73 billion, with a price-to-book ratio around 2.20 and a negative trailing P/E due to recent losses.

Novogratz has been vocal on regulatory and market developments. In interviews, he expressed skepticism about near-term passage of major U.S. crypto legislation like the CLARITY Act, warning that odds diminish without swift committee action in 2026. He also noted the end of crypto’s “age of speculation,” advocating for more mature, utility-driven growth.

Looking ahead, Galaxy’s May 12, 2026, earnings report is expected to provide updates on Q1 performance, with consensus EPS forecasts around -$0.28. Investors will watch for progress on Helios expansions, hosting revenue realization and any new partnerships in AI or tokenized finance.

The delisting from TSX and focus on Nasdaq aim to attract more U.S. institutional investors, aligning with Galaxy’s strategic pivot toward stable, high-margin infrastructure amid volatile trading conditions. As Bitcoin stabilizes and AI demand surges, Galaxy positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance, crypto and emerging tech.

For now, the March 13 surge underscores renewed investor enthusiasm, though the stock’s path will likely remain tied to broader crypto trends and execution on data center ambitions.

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Kevin Hassett, the veteran economist and current Director of the White House National Economic Council, has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s most visible economic voices in 2026, frequently defending administration policies amid escalating global tensions and domestic debates over tariffs, spending and growth forecasts.

Hassett, 64, appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on March 15, 2026, where he addressed the ongoing U.S. military conflict with Iran, now in its third week. He told host Margaret Brennan that the Pentagon estimates the operation would last four to six weeks, with forces “ahead of schedule” as of mid-March. On funding, Hassett said the war had cost approximately $12 billion so far—slightly higher than an earlier figure of $11.3 billion—and emphasized that existing resources suffice for now.

“Right now, we’ve got what we need,” Hassett stated, noting that any supplemental funding request would depend on assessments by Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought. He described rising oil prices triggered by the conflict as a “temporary shock,” predicting a swift resolution and a subsequent “big positive shock” to the global economy once hostilities end.

The comments drew immediate attention amid concerns over inflationary pressures from energy costs and the broader fiscal implications of military engagement. Hassett’s appearance followed a Fox News segment where he similarly downplayed long-term economic risks from the conflict, reinforcing the administration’s message of resilience.

Born March 20, 1962, Hassett has built a career blending academic rigor with high-level policy roles. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Early in his career, he served as a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in the 1990s and as an associate professor of economics and finance at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business.

Hassett gained wider recognition as a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focused on tax policy, fiscal issues and economic modeling. He co-authored the 1999 book “Dow 36,000,” which controversially predicted a dramatic rise in stock market values based on lower risk premiums—a forecast that drew criticism when markets later corrected sharply.

Politically, Hassett advised Republican presidential campaigns, including those of George W. Bush in 2004, John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012. He joined the Hoover Institution at Stanford University as a distinguished fellow in 2019, following his first stint in the Trump administration.

During Trump’s first term, Hassett chaired the Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019, playing a key role in advocating for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He argued the corporate rate reduction would boost investment, wages and growth—claims that remain debated among economists. He briefly returned to the White House in 2020 as a senior advisor coordinating the economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After leaving government, Hassett held positions including vice president at The Lindsey Group, economic contributor at CNN, and senior advisor to Capital Matters at National Review. He also served as Global Director of Research for Affinity Partners, a Miami-based private equity firm.

President Trump tapped Hassett again in November 2024 to lead the National Economic Council in his second administration, a role he assumed on January 20, 2025. As NEC Director, Hassett coordinates domestic and international economic policy, serving as a close advisor to the president on trade, tariffs, monetary issues and fiscal strategy. He speaks with Trump daily, positioning him as a central figure in shaping the administration’s economic agenda.

In recent months, Hassett has been a vocal proponent of Trump’s tariff policies, dismissing Federal Reserve research suggesting consumers bear much of the cost. In a February 2026 briefing, he criticized New York Fed economists and called for “discipline” over their findings, sparking concerns about potential pressure on independent institutions.

Speculation peaked late in 2025 that Hassett might succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair when Powell’s term ends in May 2026. Prediction markets and reports frequently listed him as the frontrunner, given his alignment with Trump’s preference for lower interest rates and faster cuts. Hassett himself said he would cut rates aggressively if leading the Fed, citing data supporting easing.

However, in January 2026, Trump publicly expressed a desire to keep Hassett in his current White House role. “I actually want to keep you where you are,” Trump told him at a White House event, praising his performance. Trump ultimately nominated former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for the Fed chair position, a choice Hassett endorsed as “a great choice” in subsequent interviews.

Hassett has remained optimistic about the U.S. economy’s trajectory. In a mid-March 2026 interview with Australian superfunds, he predicted growth exceeding 4% in 2026, driven by artificial intelligence productivity gains, lower corporate taxes for domestic manufacturers and industrial policy initiatives. He highlighted recent strong jobs reports, record labor force participation and declining federal employment shares as evidence of policy success.

Critics argue Hassett’s close alignment with Trump raises questions about institutional independence, particularly regarding the Fed and economic forecasting. Supporters praise his data-driven approach and loyalty to pro-growth policies.

As the Iran conflict continues and economic pressures mount from energy prices and global uncertainty, Hassett’s role positions him to shape responses on funding, inflation mitigation and recovery planning. His frequent media appearances underscore his status as a key defender of the administration’s economic narrative.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching and debates over tariffs, spending and monetary policy intensifying, Hassett’s influence shows no signs of waning. Whether advocating for post-war economic rebounds or pushing domestic priorities, the economist remains a pivotal figure in Trump’s second-term White House.