#NextFedChairCandidate đ§ Leading Contenders
1. Kevin Warsh
Former Fed Governor (2006â2011), currently a Hoover Institution fellow.
Trump âvery highly thought ofâ him as a successor .
2. Scott Bessent
Currently U.S. Treasury Secretary; ex-Soros Fund Management CIO with strong WallâStreet credibility.
Recently emerged in Bloomberg reports as a top contender .
3. Christopher Waller
Sitting Fed Governor, dovish leaning, openly supportive of near-term rate cutsâaligning with Trumpâs policy preferences .
4. Kevin Hassett
National Economic Council Director and Trump loyalist; heavily tied to the âshadow Fed chairâ concept .
5. David Malpass
Former World Bank President; viewed as too politically influenced by some analysts .
---
âł Timing & Political Context
Early nomination is likely: Trump might announce a successor as early as summer or fall 2025, well ahead of Powell's formal term expiry in May 2026 .
This âshadow chairâ strategy is aimed at shaping rate expectations earlyâbut it risks raising concerns about Fed independence and market stability .
---
đ Why It Matters
Monetary policy direction: All frontrunners lean toward faster, steeper rate cutsâdirectly addressing Trumpâs criticism of Powellâs caution .
Market impact: The move could shake bond yields, currencies, and disconcert investors uneasy about politicizing the Fed .
Legal boundaries: Trump cannot legally fire Powell mid-termâany removal would need proof of misconduct. So an early transition would follow established norms$BTC