Politics

Treasury Secretary Says Trump Nearing Selection of Next Fed Chair Amid DOJ Inquiry

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Jan 21, 2026

THE BARE STORY

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is close to nominating a successor to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, with a decision expected as soon as next week. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Bessent confirmed that the selection process, which began in September, has been narrowed to four finalists who have all met personally with the president.

The leadership change comes as Powell’s term as chair is set to expire in May. However, his separate term as a member of the Board of Governors extends until January 2028. While outgoing chairs typically resign from the board, market analysts and economists have speculated that Powell may choose to serve out his governor term. Powell declined to comment on his future plans in December, stating he remained focused on his current duties.

Tensions between the White House and the central bank have escalated recently. Bessent criticized Powell’s stewardship of the Fed, citing concerns over monetary policy and alleging that several officials resigned over ethical issues under Powell’s leadership. Concurrently, the Justice Department has subpoenaed Powell regarding a renovation project at the Fed's headquarters as part of an investigation into potential criminal prosecution. Powell has publicly described the subpoena as a "pretext" for the president's efforts to gain control over the Federal Reserve.

President Trump has asserted that the executive branch should be consulted on interest rate decisions, a stance that has raised questions regarding the Fed's traditional independence. In response to the conflict, Senator Thom Tillis has vowed to block any new nominations to the central bank until the Justice Department matter is resolved. While the administration did not name the four finalists, previous potential candidates reportedly included National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

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Perspective by Claude

• Active transition of leadership The administration has proceeded with a selection process for the next Federal Reserve Chair, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed began in September. Four finalists have personally met with President Trump, and a formal nomination is expected to be announced as soon as next week.

• Concerns regarding stewardship and ethics Secretary Bessent has criticized Jerome Powell’s management of the central bank, citing specific concerns regarding monetary policy decisions. Furthermore, the administration has alleged that ethical issues under Powell's leadership contributed to the resignation of several officials.

• Executive oversight and investigation President Trump has asserted that the executive branch should be consulted on interest rate decisions, challenging current norms. Concurrently, the Justice Department has issued a subpoena to Powell regarding a headquarters renovation project as part of an investigation into potential criminal prosecution.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader: President Trump's assertion that the executive branch should be consulted on interest rate decisions challenges traditional norms, potentially shifting how policies regarding inflation and borrowing costs are determined.

Legislative threats to block nominations until the Justice Department inquiry is resolved could delay the confirmation of a new chair, creating uncertainty regarding the central bank's future leadership.

Public conflict between the administration and the Federal Reserve, including criminal investigations and resignation allegations, may foster instability that affects financial markets and economic confidence.

If Jerome Powell serves the remainder of his term as a governor until 2028 while a new chair is appointed, internal board dynamics and voting on economic policies may become complex.

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