Leavitt Says U.S. October Jobs, Inflation Data Will Be Frozen

The government is beginning to reopen after President Donald Trump signed a House-passed funding package, ending the record 43-day shutdown.

According to Leavitt, the economic data will be "permanently impaired." (Photo: Combustion2016 Wikimedia Commons) 

However, the White House suggested that inflation and jobs data skipped during the shutdown may be permanently lost, just weeks before the Federal Reserve considers December rate cuts, Nino Paoli reported for Fortune.

“The Democrats may have permanently damaged the Federal Statistical System, with October Consumer Price Index (CPI) and jobs reports likely never being released,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

“All of that economic data will be permanently impaired, leaving our policymakers at the Fed flying blind at a critical period.”

The government shutdown began on Oct. 1 and lasted nearly six weeks, as Republicans and Democrats clashed overspending packages, including funding for the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits.

These credits are set to expire at the end of 2025, potentially causing premium spikes for millions of Americans. The Senate is expected to vote on the issue next month as part of the newly passed spending package.