**[Change in Federal Reserve Chair Candidate: Hassett May Withdraw, Waller Becomes the Frontrunner]** BlockBeats reports that on January 19, Kevin Hassett, White House economic advisor and director of the National Economic Council, recently stated publicly that President Trump is more likely to want him to remain in his current White House position. This statement has been interpreted by the market as a signal that Hassett is essentially withdrawing from the race for the next Federal Reserve Chair. Following Trump’s public indication, prediction markets quickly adjusted their expectations. Data from Kalshi and Polymarket show that the probability of former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh becoming the next Fed Chair has surged to approximately 60%, making him the clear frontrunner. Hassett’s odds have dropped to around 15%–16%, while current Fed Governor Christopher Waller stands at about 13%–14%. Previously, Warsh and Hassett were considered evenly matched contenders. Analysts point out that this is the first time Warsh has emerged as the "clear frontrunner," but given Trump’s unpredictable style in personnel decisions, the final outcome remains uncertain. Other major candidates currently under consideration include Waller and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder. At the same time, a judicial investigation into the Federal Reserve headquarters renovation project has added uncertainty to the chair selection process and reignited market concerns about the Fed’s independence. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has downplayed the impact, stating that market performance remains generally stable and that the Senate is expected to approve Trump’s final nominee. Current Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s term will end on May 15. Trump has stated that he will announce the successor within this month, but no specific timeline has been provided.