Trump Names Future Fed Chair On Site, Slams Powell: "It's Time to Cut Rates! Always Too Late! Out Before Christmas!"

"The potential Fed chair is right here in this room."

At Tuesday’s White House meeting, President Trump smiled and looked toward National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, instantly fueling speculation about a change in Federal Reserve leadership.

This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment move. Trump made it clear he plans to officially announce his pick for Fed chair in early 2026, with Hassett widely viewed as the frontrunner to replace current chair Jerome Powell.

“We originally considered about 10 people,” Trump said, “but now the list is down to one.” While Trump is known for being unpredictable and could still change his mind, this statement provides the clearest timeline yet.

“Stubborn bull, doesn’t like your president”

At the meeting, Trump once again took aim at current chair Powell, reiterating that he should cut rates as soon as possible.

“Even JPMorgan CEO Dimon supports rate cuts,” Trump emphasized, accusing Powell of being “slow to lower borrowing costs and weak in attitude,” even bluntly calling him a “stubborn bull, doesn’t like your president.”

For months, Trump has been pressuring the Fed, believing high interest rates are bad for economic growth. Appointing a compliant new chair would be a golden opportunity to reshape central bank policy and boost the economy.

Who’s on the shortlist?

Besides top pick Hassett, the final shortlist reportedly includes several heavyweights:

· Fed Governor Christopher Waller
· Fed Governor Michelle Bowman
· Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh
· BlackRock Global Fixed Income Chief Rick Rieder

In September, Trump named Hassett, Warsh, and Waller as his top three candidates. He’s also joked repeatedly about wanting Treasury Secretary Bessent for the job, but she has firmly refused.

Why does this leadership change matter so much?

The nomination of the Fed chair is the president’s most direct way to influence monetary policy. The new chair will not only lead rate decisions but also shape the direction of the U.S. and even global economy for years to come.