Trump to Announce Next Fed Chair Nominee Next Week

Jan 30, 2026, 2:29 AM

Hover over text to view sources

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he intends to announce his nominee for the next chair of the Federal Reserve next week. He made the announcement during a Cabinet meeting, expressing confidence that the new leader will effectively manage interest rates, which he believes are excessively high at present.

Trump has publicly criticized the current Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, for not aligning with his views on interest rates, asserting that the rates should be significantly lower. His administration’s ongoing pressure campaign against the Fed, including an investigation by the Justice Department into Powell’s testimony regarding renovations at the Fed's headquarters, has raised concerns about the independence of the central bank.

The president indicated that he has narrowed his choices down to four candidates: Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor; Christopher Waller, a current Fed governor; Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council; and Rick Rieder, a senior executive at BlackRock. Trump remarked, "It'll be a person that will, I think, do a good job," during his announcement.

The timing of the announcement is significant as Powell’s term is set to expire in May, although he remains a member of the Fed's board until 2028. Trump’s past appointments and criticism of Powell suggest he is looking for a chair who aligns more closely with his economic policies and views on interest rates.

Despite the president's enthusiasm about the upcoming selection, some hurdles lie ahead. Republican Senator Thom Tillis has vowed to block any of Trump’s nominees until the investigation into Powell is resolved, which could complicate the confirmation process for whoever is selected.

As the financial community anticipates the announcement, market analysts are closely watching the potential impact of Trump's choice on future economic policy, particularly concerning interest rates and overall economic growth.

Trump's assertion that the new Fed chair should aim for the lowest interest rates globally reflects his broader economic strategy, which emphasizes lower borrowing costs to stimulate growth. The coming week will be pivotal as the president reveals his nominee, potentially reshaping the landscape of US monetary policy in the near future.

With the Fed's recent decisions to maintain interest rates, the incoming chair will face immediate challenges in navigating the current economic landscape, which includes signs of stabilization in the labor market and ongoing inflation concerns.

As the announcement approaches, all eyes will be on Trump's selection and the implications it may have for the Federal Reserve's direction and independence.

Economic Experts Weigh In on Trump's Nomination of Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair

Kevin Warsh's nomination by President Trump to lead the Federal Reserve has sparked mixed reactions among economic experts. While some praise his experience and potential for market reassurance, others express concern over his past policy shifts and political ties.

Dunleavy's Fiscal Plan Faces Tepid Reception from Lawmakers

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy's recent fiscal proposal has been met with a lukewarm response from state lawmakers and industry leaders. Dunleavy described the plan as a necessary 'sacrifice' of political goodwill, highlighting the challenges in garnering support amidst differing priorities.

Economic Experts Weigh In on Trump's Fed Chair Nominee Kevin Warsh

Kevin Warsh's nomination as Federal Reserve Chair by President Trump has sparked diverse opinions among economic experts. While some view him as a cautious choice with a deep understanding of financial markets, others express concerns about his political alignment and past hawkish stance on interest rates.

Stocks Slide as Trump Nominates Warsh for Fed; Precious Metals Plunge

US stocks fell on Friday following President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all recorded losses, while gold and silver experienced significant declines amidst market volatility.

Bitcoin Stays Flat as Fed Holds Rates Steady and Powell Avoids Politics

Bitcoin's price remained unchanged following the Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates steady. Fed Chair Jerome Powell refrained from discussing political matters during his press conference, focusing instead on inflation and economic assessments.