Trump Narrows Fed Chair Candidates to 3 or 4, Criticizes Powell’s Rate Policy

President TRUMP has identified a shortlist of three to four potential candidates to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May 2026. Trump reiterated his criticism of Powell, calling him "very stupid" and accusing him of delaying interest rate cuts that could reduce government debt interest payments. Powell maintains a cautious stance, emphasizing a "wait-and-see" approach to mitigate inflationary risks from tariffs.

Among the speculated candidates are Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—though the WHITE House dismissed this as "fake news"—former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, current Fed Governor Christopher Waller, and White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett. Polymarket, a prediction platform, has also flagged these names as contenders.

The federal funds rate remains steady at 4.25%-4.50%, a level scrutinized by markets anticipating shifts in monetary policy. Trump's push for lower rates could influence broader financial conditions, including crypto markets, where liquidity and risk appetite often correlate with Fed actions.