Treasury Secretary Bessent recently pointed out that current administration's frustration with mainstream economic coverage is mounting. Poll numbers keep sliding while households still feel the squeeze from elevated living costs.

The disconnect's pretty clear: official narratives clash with what people experience at checkout counters. When inflation data shows "improvement" but grocery bills stay stubborn, that gap fuels political headwinds.

For traders and macro watchers, this tension matters. Policy responses often shift when approval ratings drop—could mean more aggressive fiscal moves or pressure on the Fed. Economic messaging wars usually signal deeper structural issues beyond the headlines.

Market takeaway? Watch consumer sentiment data and real wage growth, not just CPI prints. Political pressure on economic policy could reshape risk assets faster than most expect.