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Trump Signals He’ll Keep Hassett at NEC as Powell Probe Shadows Fed Chair Search

Bipartisan backlash over the DOJ inquiry has turned the confirmation path into a test of Fed independence.

Overview

  • President Donald Trump told Kevin Hassett he wants him to stay at the White House, shifting expectations toward other contenders such as former Fed governor Kevin Warsh.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said interviews are complete and only the president knows his choice, while suggesting a decision could come around the Davos trip timeframe.
  • The Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Jerome Powell over testimony on a roughly $2.5 billion headquarters renovation remains active, which Powell has denounced as unprecedented.
  • Sen. Thom Tillis vowed to oppose confirming any Federal Reserve nominees until the probe is resolved, signaling tough hearings and added uncertainty for the eventual pick.
  • JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said there is no chance he would serve as Fed chair; Trump denied offering him the job and threatened to sue JPMorgan for allegedly debanking him after Jan. 6.