Abha Bhattarai

Washington, D.C.

Reporter covering the U.S. economy

Education: Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism

Abha Bhattarai is the economics correspondent for The Washington Post. She previously covered retail for the publication, and has also written for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters and Tampa Bay Times.
Latest from Abha Bhattarai

Food, gas and cars could quickly get pricier under Trump’s tariff plan

Americans are finally starting to get relief from inflation, but that reprieve may be short-lived if imports from Mexico and Canada come under fire.

November 29, 2024
People buy groceries at a Walmart superstore in Secaucus, New Jersey, in July.

Linda McMahon made a fortune with WWE. Wrestling scandals now shadow her rise.

Donald Trump’s transition co-chair and Education Department pick, along with her husband, are named in a recent lawsuit claiming they ignored abuse at WWE.

November 19, 2024
Linda McMahon listens as Donald Trump speaks in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Nov. 6.

Trump selects Howard Lutnick, Wall Street CEO, as commerce secretary

The chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald would be the Trump administration’s top economic policy official if confirmed.

November 19, 2024
Howard Lutnick, chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, speaks at a bitcoin conference in Nashville in July.

Americans deliver message to Democratic Party: The economy isn’t working

U.S. voters’ decisive swing toward President-elect Donald Trump reflects dissatisfaction with recent inflation, as well as deeper fears about slipping financial security.

November 9, 2024
Kiran Kilpatrick, 9, waits while his mom votes in Pittsboro, North Carolina, on Nov. 5.

Voter anger over economy boosts Trump in 2024, baffling Democrats

Roughly two-thirds of voters rated the economy as “not so good” or “poor,” compared to just one-third who rated it as “excellent” or “good,” exit polls found.

November 6, 2024
People at a Republican election night watch party in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, react as Donald Trump speaks on television early Wednesday.

The economy is booming, but inflation is on voters’ minds as election nears

Downbeat perceptions of the economy have been a defining force of this election cycle, with polls showing the cost of living is among Americans’ top concerns.

October 31, 2024
A shopper checks eggs Sept. 19 at a grocery store in Chicago.

U.S. economy grew at 2.8% pace, slowing slightly ahead of elections

Fresh data from the Commerce Department shows that gross domestic product grew at a 2.8 percent annualized rate.

October 30, 2024
Despite inflation, Americans have continued to shell out for a range of goods and services, including cars, dining out and travel.

Gas prices are barreling toward a 3-year low as election nears

Gas prices are heading below $3 a gallon in parts of the country before the presidential election, although there may be no political boost for Vice President Kamala Harris.

October 25, 2024
Fuel prices have fallen to less than $3 per gallon, including at this station in Massachusetts.

Housing costs are rising everywhere — but especially in swing states

America’s housing affordability crisis is weighing heavily on the nation’s most sought-after voters in places like Wilmington, N.C., where home prices have risen 65 percent since 2019.

October 20, 2024
Signs at the site of a future house are displayed on the north side of Wilmington, N.C., where neighborhoods were historically home to many Black communities but are now being rapidly developed as home prices and rents skyrocket.

Walz and Vance both tout child-care issues, with some differences

When JD Vance and Tim Walz meet to debate Tuesday, families hope they talk about the child tax credit, paid family leave and child-care affordability.

September 30, 2024
From left, Republican vice-presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) in Erie, Pa., on Aug. 28; Democratic vice-presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21.