Trump Signals Desire to Keep Hassett in White House Role as Fed Chair Search Nears End

President donald trump publicly praised economic adviser kevin hassett during a White House event on January 16, 2026, while indicating a preference for him to remain in his current position. This statement has significantly cooled market expectations that kevin hassett will be selected as the next leader of the Federal Reserve. Speaking directly to the adviser, donald trump stated that I actually want to keep you where you are, if you want to know the truth. The remark comes as the administration prepares to name a successor to jerome powell, whose term at the helm of the central bank in the US is scheduled to end in May 2026.

The four leading candidates to succeed jerome powell include kevin hassett, christopher waller, kevin warsh, and rick rieder of BlackRock Inc. BLK. Following the president's comments, Polymarket betting data indicated that kevin warsh has emerged as the favorite for the role. Analysts like Adam Button from investingLive noted that the decision is largely about political credibility. kevin hassett has been viewed by market participants as the least independent and most dovish candidate because of the known desire of donald trump to cut interest rates.