Hassett Declares: Donald Trump’s Voice Won’t Sway Fed Rate Decisions

The Federal Reserve operates in a vacuum—or at least, that's the official story.

The Political Pressure Myth

Every election cycle, whispers start. Will the sitting president lean on the Fed? Will political posturing override economic data? According to Kevin Hassett, former Trump advisor turned commentator, the answer is a firm no. The institution's independence, he argues, is a firewall no amount of presidential rhetoric can breach.

Decisions by the Numbers, Not the Noise

The Fed's mandate is clear: maximum employment and stable prices. Its tools are interest rates and balance sheet maneuvers. The inputs are datasets—CPI prints, unemployment figures, GDP growth. The output is a policy decision. External commentary, regardless of its source or volume, isn't a variable in the equation. It's treated as background static, acknowledged but ultimately ignored by the voting members.

The Real Leverage Isn't a Megaphone

True influence over monetary policy doesn't come from late-night posts or campaign trail barbs. It flows through formal appointments. A president shapes the Fed's long-term direction by nominating its Chair and Governors. Once confirmed, those individuals are famously stubborn—listening to the data, their colleagues, and their own convictions. The idea that they'd pivot because of public pressure is, in the cold calculus of central banking, almost quaint.

So, while markets hang on every word from Mar-a-Lago or the White House, the folks at the Eccles Building are likely just tuning it out. They have a job to do, and it doesn't include taking political advice—even if it's from the person who might have put them there. After all, in finance, the only voice that truly matters is the one that can move the decimal point.

TLDR

• Kevin Hassett stated that Donald Trump would have no influence on Federal Reserve rate decisions if he becomes chair.
• Hassett emphasized that the Federal Reserve must remain independent and operate through consensus with its Board of Governors.
• Donald Trump recently said he believes he should be allowed to weigh in on Fed policy decisions.
• Despite Trump’s views, Hassett reaffirmed that political opinions should not guide monetary policy decisions.
• Hassett is currently the frontrunner for Fed chair with 52 percent odds on Polymarket.

Kevin Hassett, a leading candidate for Federal Reserve chair, stated Donald TRUMP would not influence rate decisions if appointed. He emphasized the independence of the central bank, despite Trump’s public calls for control over monetary policy. Hassett currently holds the lead in prediction markets, topping other contenders for the position.

Hassett Affirms Fed Independence Despite Donald Trump’s Influence

Kevin Hassett said Donald Trump’s opinions WOULD carry “no weight” in interest rate decisions under his leadership at the Fed.

He made the comments during an interview on CBS’ Face the Nation, reaffirming the central bank’s autonomy.

“[He] has very strong and well-founded views,” Hassett said, “but the job of the Fed is to be independent.”

Hassett currently serves as Donald Trump’s top economic adviser and is widely considered dovish on monetary policy. He has consistently supported deeper interest rate cuts to boost economic growth during uncertain economic conditions.

This position aligns with Donald Trump’s frequent criticism of the Fed for not cutting rates quickly enough. Still, Hassett insisted he would prioritize consensus within the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

He stressed that decisions must be made collectively, not dictated by external political influence.“The Fed works with the Board of Governors to drive a group consensus,” Hassett explained.

Trump Voices Support for Input on Fed Policy

Donald Trump recently stated that he believes he should be allowed to influence the Fed’s decisions on interest rates.

His comments reignited discussions over the central bank’s independence from presidential directives. However, Hassett’s remarks pushed back strongly on any perception of presidential interference.

Trump previously clashed with Jerome Powell over rate hikes and urged lower borrowing costs to support expansion. During his administration, Donald Trump repeatedly voiced frustration over what he called restrictive Fed policies.

His latest statements reflect continued interest in shaping central bank decisions should he return to office. Despite this, Hassett maintained a clear stance on the role of the Fed chair.

He indicated that loyalty to Donald Trump would not override institutional duties. This comes as the WHITE House weighs candidates for Powell’s replacement ahead of his term ending on May 15.

Prediction Markets Favor Hassett Over Warsh

Hassett now leads Polymarket odds at 52% for the next Fed chair appointment. He has surpassed former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, who currently stands at 40%.

Warsh’s probability ROSE from 13% following a recent meeting with Donald Trump. Both contenders hold different economic views, with Hassett advocating more aggressive rate reductions.

This approach is consistent with Donald Trump’s preference for looser monetary policy. Still, Hassett has clarified he would not allow political pressure to override sound decision-making.

Jerome Powell’s term expires in May, and Donald Trump’s choice will influence the Fed’s future path. The final decision is expected before Powell’s current term ends, as speculation continues around Trump’s preferred candidate.