[Hassett Criticizes Recent Fed Officials' Support for Rate Hikes, Calls for Restoring 'Independence'] According to a report by Jinse Finance, on September 24, Kevin Hassett, Director of the U.S. National Economic Council, criticized Federal Reserve officials on Wednesday for their recent support of further interest rate hikes, stating that it is concerning for the Fed to continue tightening policy when the core inflation rate is already close to 2%. Hassett remarked, 'Why raise rates further?' and questioned the recent comments supporting additional rate hikes made by officials not appointed by former President Trump. Hassett claimed that Federal Reserve Chair Walsh is managing a 'highly politicized Federal Reserve,' and restoring the Fed's independence is a critical task he faces. Hassett also criticized the fact that some senior Fed officials, even after leaving their original leadership roles, continue to remain employed at the Fed. He specifically named Powell and Barr, arguing that this situation deviates from the traditional practice of leadership transitions at the Fed. Recently, several Fed officials have signaled hawkish stances. Barr stated that further rate hikes might be necessary to bring inflation back to the 2% target; Collins and Mester also expressed support for additional rate hikes. The Fed's latest economic projections show that 16 officials anticipate at least one more rate hike this year.