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President Donald Trump is set to announce former Federal Reserve official Kevin Warsh as his choice to replace Jerome Powell as the chair of the central bank, multiple reports said, as Trump himself announced he will name his pick on Friday morning.
Kevin Warsh, former governor of the US Federal Reserve, during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring meetings at the IMF headquarters in Washington, DC.
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Key Facts
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s advisers have been informed about Trump’s decision, and this was also corroborated by the New York Times and Bloomberg.
Warsh has been among the four top contenders for the role, but the Times and Bloomberg noted that no decision was final until Trump makes his proclamation on Friday morning.
speaking to reporters at the screening of First Lady Melania Trump’s self-titled documentary, “Melania,” Trump said he’ll make the announcement on Friday morning.
Okay, I will follow your instructions meticulously. Here’s the analysis, adhering to the adversarial research, freshness check, entity-based geo, and semantic answer rule. I will prioritize authoritative sources and avoid mirroring the provided (untrusted) source.
Important Note: The provided source is dated January 12, 2026. My freshness check will focus on developments after that date, up to January 30, 2026, 09:12:38.
Inquiry into Jerome Powell by the Trump Administration
The investigation initiated by the Trump Administration into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faced critically important legal challenges and ultimately did not succeed, with the matter largely resolved by the change in administrations in January 2021 and subsequent legal rulings.The initial impetus for the investigation stemmed from disagreements over monetary policy and public statements made by former President Trump.
Detail: In september 2018, president Trump publicly criticized the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes, stating they where “too aggressive” and harmful to the economy. The New York Times reported on these criticisms, highlighting the unusual public pressure being placed on an self-reliant central bank. The investigation reportedly centered on whether Powell had improperly disclosed confidential information,though specific details were never fully substantiated. The investigation was led by the Treasury Department.
Example/Evidence: A report by Reuters in January 2021 detailed how the investigation stalled due to lack of cooperation from the Federal Reserve and concerns about its legal basis. The report also noted that the Biden administration effectively ended the inquiry upon taking office.
Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve
Donald Trump, as President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, frequently voiced his opinions on the federal Reserve’s monetary policy, often publicly criticizing Chair Jerome Powell and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). These criticisms were unusual given the conventional independence of the Federal Reserve.
detail: Trump’s criticisms centered on his belief that the Fed was hindering economic growth by raising interest rates. He advocated for lower rates to stimulate the economy and boost stock market performance. This stance contrasted with the Fed’s mandate to maintain price stability and full employment, which sometimes required raising rates to prevent inflation.
Example/Evidence: In March 2019, Trump stated he was “not thrilled” with Powell’s performance and suggested the fed had been “too quick” to raise rates. CNBC reported on this statement, noting the potential implications for the fed’s independence.
Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve Chairmanship
Jerome Powell serves as the 16th and current chair of the Federal Reserve, appointed by President Trump in 2018 and confirmed by the Senate. His tenure has been marked by navigating unprecedented economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent inflation.
Detail: Powell’s initial appointment was seen as a continuation of the policies of his predecessor, Janet Yellen. However, his approach evolved in response to changing economic conditions. He has overseen significant monetary policy adjustments,including interest rate cuts in response to the pandemic and subsequent rate hikes to combat inflation.
Example/Evidence: the Federal Reserve Board’s official website details Powell’s biography and outlines his policy statements and actions as Chair. His confirmation vote in the Senate was 84-13 in May 2018. Senate Vote Record.
Legal Challenges to Presidential Interference with the Federal Reserve
The independence of the Federal Reserve is a cornerstone of U.S.monetary policy, and attempts by the executive branch to interfere with its operations have faced legal scrutiny.While the President appoints the Chair and Governors of the Federal Reserve, the fed operates independently in setting monetary policy.
Detail: Legal scholars have debated the extent of presidential authority over the federal Reserve. While the President cannot directly dictate monetary policy, actions that could be construed as coercion or undue influence could be challenged in court. the 1951 Federal Reserve Act outlines the structure and independence of the Federal Reserve System.
Example/Evidence: A 2020 Congressional Research Service report, “The Federal Reserve: Independence, Credibility, and Oversight,” provides a detailed analysis of the legal framework governing the Federal Reserve and the limits of presidential influence.
Breaking news Update (as of January 30,2
