WASHINGTON D.C. — The White House today announced a groundbreaking shift in how the nation’s economic prosperity will be assessed, confirming that traditional metrics like gas prices and mortgage rates are now directly tied to the current administration’s political standing.

“When the President says the economy is doing great, it is, by definition, doing great,” stated White House Economic Advisor, Dr. Philomena S. Greenspan (no relation), in a press briefing that quickly devolved into a philosophical debate on objective reality. “Conversely, if certain numbers appear to be moving in a less-than-optimal direction, it simply means the President has identified a new, more accurate way to interpret those numbers that aligns with his strategic vision.”

The move comes after President Trump dismissed concerns about rising gas prices and mortgage rates, a stark contrast to his previous celebrations of low prices. Dr. Greenspan clarified that such fluctuations are merely “economic recalibrations” designed to test the public’s faith in the nation’s leadership.

“It’s a sophisticated, trust-based economic model,” she explained, holding up a chart that showed a direct correlation between the President’s Twitter activity and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. “When gas prices were low, it was a testament to his genius. Now that they’re rising, it’s a necessary sacrifice for a greater, as-yet-undisclosed strategic advantage.”

Experts from the newly formed Presidential Economic Truth Bureau (PETB) confirmed that citizens can expect future economic reports to be delivered exclusively via presidential rallies and cable news appearances, ensuring maximum clarity and minimal dissenting data.