Judy Woodruff:

The government shutdown and the battle over a border wall is the central news story of the moment, but this all happening at a time of some important economic developments.

On the one hand, the year closed out with an unexpectedly strong jobs report. On the other, we're in the middle of a trade war and tough negotiations with China. The markets have been volatile for weeks with wild swings. And the shutdown itself poses its own problems.

It all comes about one year after sweeping tax cuts were passed by Congress.

That made it the right time for Paul Solman to speak with a key voice from President Trump's economic team.

It's part of our weekly series Making Sense.