President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would reveal his pick for the Federal Reserve Chair position by Friday morning, a move that comes as the Fed voted to pause rate cuts this week. The news was met with surprise from some quarters, as earlier in the day, Trump had indicated that his pick would be made next week.
Trump made the comment during a screening of First Lady Melania Trump's self-titled documentary, "Melania." The announcement has been seen as a response to criticism of Powell's leadership and disagreement with the majority of the Fed's decisions. As Powell's term is set to end in May, some have speculated that he may choose to stay on the board as governor, which has not happened since the 1940s.
The Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to maintain interest rates between 3.5% and 3.75%, with two Fed officials arguing for a quarter-point reduction. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Powell's leadership, calling him a "moron" after the vote and claiming that he had "absolutely no reason to keep them so high." The comment has been seen as a significant departure from the typical diplomatic language used by the president.
As speculation surrounding Powell's future continues to build, several names have emerged as potential contenders for the top spot. These include former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, Federal Reserve member Christopher Waller, National Economic Council chief Kevin Hassett, and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder. However, it is unclear whether Powell will choose to stay on the Fed board following his term as chair.
The news has been met with interest from investors, who have been watching developments closely in the wake of the rate cut pause. With Trump's pick set to be announced by Friday, market expectations are shifting as traders wait to see how the Fed's leadership is reshuffled.
Trump made the comment during a screening of First Lady Melania Trump's self-titled documentary, "Melania." The announcement has been seen as a response to criticism of Powell's leadership and disagreement with the majority of the Fed's decisions. As Powell's term is set to end in May, some have speculated that he may choose to stay on the board as governor, which has not happened since the 1940s.
The Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to maintain interest rates between 3.5% and 3.75%, with two Fed officials arguing for a quarter-point reduction. Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with Powell's leadership, calling him a "moron" after the vote and claiming that he had "absolutely no reason to keep them so high." The comment has been seen as a significant departure from the typical diplomatic language used by the president.
As speculation surrounding Powell's future continues to build, several names have emerged as potential contenders for the top spot. These include former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, Federal Reserve member Christopher Waller, National Economic Council chief Kevin Hassett, and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder. However, it is unclear whether Powell will choose to stay on the Fed board following his term as chair.
The news has been met with interest from investors, who have been watching developments closely in the wake of the rate cut pause. With Trump's pick set to be announced by Friday, market expectations are shifting as traders wait to see how the Fed's leadership is reshuffled.