Hassett's statements during his interview appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press shows that the White House intends to hold steady on its tariffs even as economic data raises concerns about the impact they may have on growth, prices, and job creation as well as lasting consequences for global trade.

Friday, a day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order slapping new tariffs on dozens of countries. A weak jobs report worsened investor jitters, revealing a slowdown of hiring over recent months as Trump's previous tariffs took hold.