Kevin Hassett, a principal economic adviser to President Trump, has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell’s handling of interest-rate policy, arguing that rates have been kept too high and expressing a preference for a chair who would adopt a more accommodative stance.
Hassett, who strongly supported the Trump administration’s economic priorities while serving as a senior adviser, has voiced views consistent with the president’s desire for lower interest rates. Those positions have prompted questions from investors and analysts about the potential impact on the Fed’s institutional independence and its commitment to long-term price stability.
Other names reportedly under consideration for the post include former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh, Treasury official Scott Bessent, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller. Each candidate brings different policy perspectives and professional backgrounds, which market participants are weighing as they assess the likely trajectory of U.S. monetary policy under a new chair.