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White House adviser Kevin Hassett said the government shutdown’s damage is “far worse than we expected,” telling Fox News it has lasted so long that fourth-quarter U.S. GDP growth could be half the 3% initially projected. With the shutdown now beyond 38 days and expected to extend through the weekend, he warned air travel disruptions could trigger a near-term airline industry downturn. Hassett cited slowing hiring and construction, worried repeated shutdowns will deter federal workers, echoed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on recession-like pockets, and voiced disappointment that the Fed signaled no December rate cut, urging a swift reopening.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.