Trump: Considering three to four candidates for the next Federal Reserve Chairman

Trump called Federal Reserve Chairman Powell "terrible" and said he knew three or four people were contenders for the next Fed chairman. When asked if he was interviewing candidates to replace Powell, Trump told reporters, "I know who I would choose among three or four people." According to reports, the main contenders include former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Walsh, National Economic Council Director Hassett, current Federal Reserve Governor Waller, and Treasury Secretary Besson. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates and proposed the idea of firing him or appointing a successor as soon as possible, but he often retracts these threats. Some analysts believe that this is an effort by Trump to influence monetary policy through the "shadow Fed chairman" before Powell steps down in May 2026.