when does the new fed chair take over

The new Fed chair is expected to take over in May 2026 , when Jerome Powell’s term as chair ends, assuming the Senate confirms the nominee in time.

Quick Scoop

• Jerome Powell’s four‑year term as Federal Reserve chair ends in May 2026.

• President Donald Trump has said he will pick a successor ahead of that date and has now announced Kevin Warsh as his choice.

• If the Senate confirms Warsh (or whoever is finally chosen), the new chair would step in as Powell’s term expires in May 2026 , rather than waiting for a later symbolic date.

What’s officially known

• Powell’s term as chair runs through mid‑May 2026 ; reporting pegs the end of his term in May 2026 , after which the new chair would assume the role.

• Trump and his economic team have repeatedly said the decision and announcement would come in early 2026 / by the end of January 2026 , to allow time for Senate hearings and a confirmation vote.

What still depends on politics

• The exact day the new chair takes over hinges on how fast the Senate moves; delays in confirmation could temporarily keep Powell in place or create a short gap.

• If the nominee faces a smooth confirmation, market observers broadly expect a handoff right as Powell’s term expires in May 2026 , which is why that month is the key date to watch.

Bottom line: unless there’s an unusual confirmation snag, plan on the new Fed chair taking over around May 2026 , when Powell’s chair term ends.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.