Trump Says Decision Made on Next Federal Reserve Chair, Keeps Name Private

President Donald Trump tells The New York Times he has settled on his choice to lead the Federal Reserve but is not yet ready to announce it publicly.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

President Donald Trump said he has already decided who he will select as the next chair of the Federal Reserve but declined to reveal the name during a recent interview with The New York Times.

“I have in my mind a decision,” Trump said. “I haven’t talked about it with anybody.”

Pressed about Kevin A. Hassett, a longtime economic adviser and current director of the White House’s National Economic Council, Trump offered guarded praise without confirming his choice. “I don’t want to say,” the president said, adding that Hassett was “certainly one of the people that I like.”

Hassett has emerged as a leading contender to succeed current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell when Powell’s term expires in May. A familiar figure in Republican economic policy circles, Hassett previously served as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during Trump’s first term and has remained closely aligned with the president.

As speculation around the appointment has grown, Hassett has emphasized the institutional nature of the Federal Reserve, noting that monetary policy decisions are ultimately made by the 12-member Federal Open Market Committee, which includes both Washington-based governors and regional Federal Reserve bank presidents.

Hassett is not the only candidate under consideration. Kevin M. Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor, is also viewed as a strong contender. Warsh came close to being selected during Trump’s first administration and has remained active in economic policy debates, with supporters citing his deep familiarity with the central bank’s internal operations.

Another potential pick is Christopher J. Waller, a current Federal Reserve governor known for a data-driven approach to monetary policy. Trump interviewed both Warsh and Waller late last year and later spoke favorably about each.

Whoever Trump ultimately chooses will assume one of the most powerful economic positions in the world, overseeing U.S. monetary policy at a time when inflation trends, financial markets and global economic conditions remain under close scrutiny.

An announcement is expected in the coming months as Powell’s term draws to a close.