One signal

Harvard economist Jason Furman told Axios he would rely on AI tools over staff economists for much of the White House Council of Economic Advisers’ day-to-day analytical work. Former CEA chair Jared Bernstein argues that advising presidents also demands context and political judgement that AI may struggle to provide.

The stakes are bigger than who writes the next briefing. Former Federal Reserve economist Claudia Sahm warns that cutting junior roles could weaken the pipeline of future senior economists; economist Casey Mulligan counters that faster research can increase demand for economists. That leaves a live question for public policy: can AI help experienced staff do more without depriving the field of people who gain expertise by doing the work? The debate is rather less tidy than a headcount spreadsheet.

Discuss: Should government economists use AI to reduce junior staffing, or protect those roles as the training ground for future policy leaders?

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