TLDR
- President Trump will interview BlackRock’s Rick Rieder for the Federal Reserve Chair position.
- Rick Rieder is one of four finalists for the role of Fed Chair with interviews scheduled this week.
- Trump plans to make his decision by the end of January regarding the new Fed Chair.
- Other candidates for the Fed Chair position include Kevin Warsh, Kevin Hassett, and Christopher Waller.
- Jerome Powell faces an investigation from the Department of Justice as his term as Fed Chair nears its end.
With Jerome Powell’s term as Federal Reserve Chair set to end in May, President Donald Trump is preparing to interview Rick Rieder, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income, for the top position. Rieder is among four finalists for the Fed Chair role, with interviews beginning this week. The decision is expected to be made by the end of January.
Trump’s Selection Process for Fed Chair
President Trump plans to meet with Rick Rieder this Thursday as part of the process to select the next Federal Reserve Chair. Rieder, who has been vocal about his stance on monetary policy, will be interviewed by Trump himself, as well as key members of his administration. The interview will include Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.
This marks the final interview in a series of discussions with potential candidates for the role. Other finalists include former Federal Reserve Board Governor Kevin Warsh, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and current Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher Waller. Trump is set to announce his pick for Fed Chair in the coming days, with Rieder as a strong contender.
Jerome Powell’s Fed Chair Role in Jeopardy
Jerome Powell’s time as Federal Reserve Chair is under scrutiny as his tenure approaches its end in May. On top of this, Powell faces an investigation by the Department of Justice, which has raised further questions about his leadership. The investigation centers on allegations related to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions and their potential impact on economic conditions.
Powell expressed concerns about the investigation, stating, “The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public.”
He further emphasized that the investigation could undermine the Fed’s ability to make independent, evidence-based decisions on interest rates.
While Powell’s future remains uncertain, his comments reflect ongoing tensions between the Federal Reserve and the White House. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell, calling for lower interest rates to stimulate economic growth. As Powell’s position becomes more tenuous, the search for a new Fed Chair intensifies. The Federal Reserve’s leadership will play a crucial role in shaping the U.S. economy in the coming years.


