Scott Bessent said Trump could announce a new Fed chair 'before Christmas': Here's what you need to know about the leading candidates | Fortune
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Scott Bessent said Trump could announce a new Fed chair 'before Christmas': Here's what you need to know about the leading candidates | Fortune
"The White House has run a very public campaign for the nomination of the next chairman of the Federal Reserve. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been open about how swiftly he would like to see a name chosen and shared with the public, while President Trump has been transparent about the individuals in contention. One motivation for the candor is a bid to shift focus away from current chairman Jerome Powell, who has grated on the Oval Office by refusing"
"Kevin Hassett has been seen broadly as the frontrunner in this race. As director of the White House National Economic Council (NEC), Hassett claims he speaks with President Trump daily, and his appointment to the NEC suggests that Trump already values his outlook. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, tends to have a happy-go-lucky posture when speaking to the press."
The White House has actively campaigned to nominate the next Federal Reserve chair, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging a swift public announcement and President Trump naming potential contenders. The push aims to redirect attention from Jerome Powell after disagreements over the speed of rate cuts. An intended pre-Christmas announcement grew unlikely, and the president indicated the decision will occur in early 2026. The Wall Street Journal identified Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh as leading candidates. Kevin Hassett is widely viewed as the frontrunner, serves as director of the National Economic Council, and speaks with President Trump daily.
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