Federal Reserve News: Trump’s Top Five Picks for Next FED Chair

President Donald Trump’s administration has narrowed its search for the next Federal Reserve Chair to five contenders, signaling a potential shift in the central bank’s policy direction by 2026. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the shortlist will be presented to TRUMP shortly after Thanksgiving, with a final decision expected by year-end.

The finalists—Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman, Kevin Warsh, Kevin Hassett, and Rick Rieder—represent a mix of policy insiders, economists, and Wall Street veterans. Given Trump’s repeated criticism of Jerome Powell for being "too slow to cut rates," the next Fed leader is anticipated to adopt a more aggressive, pro-growth stance aligned with Trump’s economic agenda.

Christopher Waller, appointed by Trump in 2020, is noted for his independent, analytical approach and advocacy for faster rate cuts. Michelle Bowman, a banking regulator, brings a conservative perspective focused on deregulation. The selection process underscores the administration’s push for a Fed leadership that prioritizes economic expansion over cautious monetary restraint.