Is Trump’s Team Already Impatient? US Treasury Secretary Reportedly Begins Interviewing Fed Chair Candidates on Friday

Although Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s term does not end until May 2026, it is clear that Trump’s team is already eager to replace the Fed chair.

According to informed sources, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to begin a series of interviews this Friday to search for the next Federal Reserve chair. The sources stated that the interview process will continue into next week, adding that Bessent will speak with candidates either in person or via video conference.

The list is believed to include current Fed Governors Michelle Bowman, Philip Jefferson, and Christopher Waller; Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan; White House economist Kevin Hassett; and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh.

Additionally, BlackRock strategist Rick Rieder and Jefferies strategist David Zervos are also on the list, along with economist Marc Sumerlin, former Governor Larry Lindsey, and former St. Louis Fed President James Bullard.

After the interviews, Bessent plans to recommend a final list of candidates to President Trump. Bessent had previously stated that he would begin searching for Powell’s successor shortly after this year’s Labor Day (September 1).

“In terms of the interview process, we have announced 11 very strong candidates. I will likely meet with them after Labor Day and then begin narrowing down the list to submit to President Trump,” he previously said. “This will be a fantastic team.”

Earlier this Monday, Eastern Time, Bessent also revealed that he and Trump had “discussed in detail what the candidates should be like and their qualifications.” While evaluating candidates for Fed chair, they are also assessing whether these individuals are suitable to fill the two current vacancies on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.