Megan Romer called the White House estimate that DSA-backed policies would cost $49 trillion a "made-up number" after socialist candidates posted notable midterm wins.
The Council of Economic Advisers said proposals including Medicare for All and student debt cancellation would total about $355,000 per U.S. household over the next decade.
Pressed for an alternative figure on Fox News, Romer refused to give one, saying the cost depends on which programs are enacted and which existing programs are phased out.
Romer argued DSA lawmakers will focus on affordability and said money now spent on the military—including 800 U.S. bases abroad—should be redirected to domestic priorities.
The exchange highlights a central challenge for the socialist movement after its election gains: defending an expanded agenda while answering attacks over its fiscal price tag.