Politics

President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh to succeed Powell as Federal Reserve chair

Illustration for: President Trump nominates Kevin Warsh to succeed Powell as Federal Reserve chair
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Jan 30, 2026

THE BARE STORY

President Trump on Friday nominated Kevin Warsh to replace Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve. The announcement, made via social media, follows a selection process led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Trump expressed confidence in Warsh, 55, stating he would be a great leader for the central bank. Warsh previously called for "regime change" at the institution, citing a "credibility deficit" under its current leadership.

The nomination arrives amid heightened tensions between the administration and the Federal Reserve regarding interest rate policies and legal scrutiny. Trump has frequently criticized Powell’s approach to rate cuts. Additionally, Powell, whose term as chair ends in May, recently disclosed that the Justice Department served the Fed with subpoenas related to a criminal investigation into his testimony regarding a headquarters renovation project.

While Powell described the subpoenas as a pretext to pressure the Fed and undermine its independence, U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro stated the action was taken because the central bank was not answering questions. The White House has denied directing the legal action.

The confirmation process faces immediate political obstacles. Republican Senator Thom Tillis stated he would oppose any new nominee until the Justice Department’s inquiry into Powell is fully resolved, although he noted Warsh is qualified. Conversely, Republican Senator Tim Scott praised the nomination, highlighting Warsh’s knowledge of markets and monetary policy.

Uncertainty remains regarding the final composition of the Federal Reserve’s board. Powell retains a seat as a governor with two years remaining on his term and could choose to stay on the board after being replaced as chair. Separately, the Supreme Court is weighing a case regarding the administration's attempt to remove board member Lisa Cook.

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• Legal actions viewed as political pressure Jerome Powell described the subpoenas related to the criminal investigation as a pretext designed to pressure the Federal Reserve and undermine its independence. This legal scrutiny arrives amid heightened tensions and frequent criticism from the President regarding Powell’s approach to interest rate policies.

• Inquiry must resolve before confirmation Republican Senator Thom Tillis stated he would oppose any new nominee until the Justice Department’s inquiry into Powell is fully resolved. Despite noting that Warsh is qualified, Tillis emphasized that the confirmation process faces immediate obstacles due to the ongoing investigation.

• Leadership structure remains unsettled Uncertainty surrounds the final composition of the Federal Reserve’s board, as Powell retains a seat as a governor with two years remaining and could choose to stay on after being replaced as chair. Additionally, the stability of the board is in question as the Supreme Court weighs a case regarding the administration's attempt to remove member Lisa Cook.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader: You may face shifting interest rate environments for loans and savings, as nominee Kevin Warsh has called for "regime change" regarding the Federal Reserve's current strategies.

Market stability regarding your investments could be tested by conflicts over Fed independence, with Powell alleging political pressure while the administration pursues criminal investigations.

Policy implementation may stall due to confirmation delays, as Senator Tillis plans to oppose any nominee until the Justice Department resolves its inquiry into the current chair.

The makeup of the board setting economic policy remains uncertain, with the Supreme Court reviewing member removals and Powell potentially staying on as a governor.

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