Should-Read: Mark Thoma: What if “alternative facts” spread to economic data?

Should-Read: Mark Thoma: What if “alternative facts” spread to economic data?: “Donald Trump’s inability to accept news that disagrees with [his] view…

…was on display…. He, and those speaking on his behalf, claimed falsely that “This was the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe,” and then doubled down even when presented with solid evidence it wasn’t true.  Americans were told the new administration relies on “alternative facts,” which seems to mean whatever numbers it can come up with to support Mr. Trump’s claims. What worries me, among other things, is how the president will react to bad news about the economy…