Trump chooses key economics adviser

With a doctorate in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Hassett has worked as a senior economist at the Federal Reserve and taught at Columbia University's business school.

An expert on taxes and budget policy, Hassett also co-wrote a paper challenging the NFL conclusions about the New England Patriots using under-inflated footballs to gain an advantage against the Indianapolis Colts in a 2015 playoff game.

The CEA has routinely been filled by leading academic economists and was among the most prominent vacant posts during the early months of the Trump presidency.