What Trump’s Fed chair candidates have had to say in CNBC interviews

President Donald Trump’s search for a replacement for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has expanded to include a diverse group of nearly a dozen potential candidates. This list includes current and former Fed officials, prominent economists, and market-focused individuals, all with their own ideas about the future direction of the central bank.

Many of the candidates share a common belief that the Fed should lower its benchmark interest rate, with some advocating for more fundamental changes to the institution. In a series of CNBC interviews conducted over the course of several days, weeks, and months, these candidates have outlined their visions for the future of the Federal Reserve.

Former Governor Kevin Warsh has called for “regime change,” while market strategists David Zervos and Rick Rieder believe that interest rates should be aggressively lowered. Former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard has emphasized the importance of Fed independence and commitment to core central bank goals, while National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett has criticized the lack of transparency in the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision-making process.

Governor Michelle Bowman has highlighted the importance of considering a wide range of viewpoints, including those of President Trump. Economist Marc Sumerlin has argued that the Fed’s benchmark rate is “too high,” and former Governor Larry Lindsey has criticized the lack of “intellectual diversity” within the FOMC.

As the candidates vie for the position, President Trump has not publicly announced a timeline for making a decision to replace Powell, whose term as chair ends in May 2026. The president has previously indicated that he plans to nominate economist Stephen Miran for a current board vacancy.

Overall, the search for the next Federal Reserve chair has generated significant interest and debate within the financial community. The eventual nominee will play a crucial role in shaping the future of monetary policy in the United States.