who will trump nominate as fed chair
Trump has not yet publicly announced whom he will nominate as the next Federal Reserve chair, so there is no definitive answer right now. Analysts and reporting only point to a short list of likely contenders, not a confirmed pick.
Where things stand now
Recent reporting indicates that Donald Trump says he has already decided on his choice for Fed chair but is holding back the actual name, promising an announcement in early 2026. Jerome Powell’s term ends in May 2026, so the formal nomination is expected before then to allow time for Senate vetting and confirmation.
Who is on Trump’s short list?
Coverage of the internal process describes a group of favored candidates rather than a single confirmed nominee.
Commonly mentioned names include:
- Kevin Hassett – Trump’s top economic adviser and National Economic Council director, often described as the frontrunner and someone Trump “likes” and trusts on lowering rates.
- Kevin Warsh – Former Fed governor seen as more market-friendly and skeptical of ultra-loose policy.
- Christopher Waller – Current Fed governor, already on the FOMC and viewed as experienced inside the institution.
- Michelle Bowman – Current governor who has been part of the Powell-era Board.
- Rick Rieder – BlackRock executive, floated as an outside markets-oriented pick.
- Stephen Miran – Recently tapped for a separate Fed Board seat, giving him visibility and influence ahead of the chair choice.
Fed chair contender snapshot
| Candidate | Current/Recent Role | Why seen as a contender |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Hassett | Head of National Economic Council | Close Trump adviser; aligned with desire for lower borrowing costs. | [1][6][7]
| Kevin Warsh | Former Fed governor | Market-focused profile; long-rumored in conservative policy circles. | [6][7]
| Christopher Waller | Fed governor | Institutional experience; already voting on rates. | [6][7]
| Michelle Bowman | Fed governor | Named as finalist in late 2025 coverage of the search. | [7]
| Rick Rieder | BlackRock executive | High-profile investor with central-bank-watcher credentials. | [7]
| Stephen Miran | Trump’s nominee for an open Fed Board seat | Advocates Fed governance reforms; appointment could give Trump immediate policy influence. | [9]
What Trump says he wants in a Fed chair
Trump has repeatedly argued that the Fed should cut interest rates faster and more aggressively, criticizing Jerome Powell for being “too late” and even calling him a “fool.” Public comments suggest he wants a chair who is sympathetic to lower borrowing costs and more aligned with his economic agenda, raising concern among some observers about pressure on the Fed’s independence.
Speculation vs. certainty
- There is currently no official nomination , only hints that Trump has made up his mind and will reveal the choice early in the year.
- Financial media and forums mostly treat Hassett as the favorite but still as speculation, not fact.
- Until a formal nomination is filed with the Senate and publicly announced, the question “who will Trump nominate as Fed chair” can only be answered in terms of likely names, not a confirmed person.
Bottom line: the race looks tilted toward a Trump-aligned dove like Kevin Hassett, but until the White House actually announces a nominee, anyone named is just an informed guess, not a sure thing.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.