WASHINGTON (AP) — Amid heightened scrutiny, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has become the focal point of political debates regarding recent tax breaks and spending cuts. This summer, the agency faced sharp criticism from prominent Republicans, with Speaker Mike Johnson labeling it as 'notorious for getting it wrong' and President Trump labeling it as 'very hostile.'
In a recent interview, CBO Director Phillip Swagel acknowledged the challenges posed by these criticisms. 'We’re just trying to get it right and inform Congress and the country,' he said. Swagel's commitment to providing nonpartisan analysis is pivotal as the CBO evaluates the fiscal implications of substantial legislation that reverberates through political discourse.
Despite the recent attacks, Swagel asserts that his team remains focused on accuracy. 'Sometimes it’s noise, sometimes it’s not. But we just tune it out. Here we do our work,' he stated, emphasizing the importance of delivering precise data. Since his appointment in 2019, Swagel has maintained a low-key approach while having a significant history in both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Swagel pointed to significant economic changes, such as the sweeping tariffs initiated under Trump's administration, that complicate the CBO’s economic models. He indicated the tariffs may reduce the national deficit by $4 trillion but also hinted at potential short-term inflation consequences.
As he navigates this politically charged landscape, Swagel urges a focus on the facts without political bias. 'It’s important for the country to have a group of analysts who don’t have an opinion,' he said. As the CBO continues its work, the pressure to provide unbiased information remains critical in times of division in Washington.
