Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Trump Nears Fed Chair Decision
President Trump is close to choosing the next head of the Federal Reserve, the group that controls interest rates.
He has interviewed several candidates, including Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, and Christopher Waller.
Trump wants lower interest rates, but the Fed is supposed to make decisions independently.
The current head, Jerome Powell, will leave his job in May.
Trump says he wants to influence the Fed, but the candidates say they will make their own decisions.
The Fed has recently lowered interest rates three times.
Waller is seen as a top choice by economists but is considered a heavy underdog due to his lack of personal relationship with Trump.
President Trump is nearing a decision on the next Federal Reserve Chair, with one or two more interviews left.
Top candidates are National Economic Director Kevin Hassett, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, and Fed Governor Christopher Waller.
Trump has expressed frustration with the Fed's pace of rate cuts and wants lower interest rates.
Hassett and Waller acknowledge Trump's opinions but stress the independence of the Federal Reserve.
The Fed recently lowered its benchmark rate to between 3.5% and 3.75%, with three officials dissenting.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller, Jerome Powell
- What
- Decision on the next Federal Reserve Chair
- When
- Expected in early January, with interviews ongoing in December
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Jerome Powell's term as Fed Chair ends in May 2020
Trump's Perspective
Fed's Perspective
Interest Rates
Trump's Perspective
Trump wants lower interest rates and has expressed frustration with the Fed's pace of rate cuts.
Fed's Perspective
The Fed has lowered its benchmark rate to between 3.5% and 3.75%, with some officials dissenting.
Independence of the Fed
Trump's Perspective
Trump wants to influence the Fed's decisions and has been direct with candidates about their views on Fed policy.
Fed's Perspective
Candidates like Kevin Hassett acknowledge Trump's opinions but stress the independence of the Federal Reserve.
- Current Fed Chair
- Jerome Powell
- Top Candidates
- Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller
- Expected Announcement
- Early January
- Current Fed Rate
- 3.5% - 3.75%
- Powell's Term Ends
- May 2020
- Waller's Role
- Fed Governor and advocate for rate cuts
