Trump Interviews Christopher Waller as Fed Chair Candidate

Scheduled to Meet at the White House on the 17th (Local Time)
A 'Dovish' Figure Within the Fed
Advocates for Rate Cuts with Logical Rationale
Most Preferred by Economists

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to interview Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller as a candidate for the next Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair. This interview is drawing attention as it comes amid speculation that Trump is also seriously considering former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council Chairman Kevin Hassett as leading candidates.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on December 16 (local time), President Trump will meet with Christopher Waller, a candidate for Fed Chair, at the White House on December 17 for an interview. However, the interview may be postponed as President Trump has expressed a cautious stance.

Governor Waller does not have a personal relationship with President Trump, but he is considered a Trump appointee, having been confirmed during the first Trump administration in 2020. In particular, he has emerged as a strong candidate for Fed Chair this year due to his vocal advocacy for interest rate cuts within the Fed.

The Fed has recently cut the benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points at each of the last three Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings in September, October, and December, for a total reduction of 0.75 percentage points. Last week, the U.S. benchmark interest rate fell to 3.5-3.75%, the lowest level in three years. At the July FOMC meeting, Governor Waller was among the minority who advocated for a rate cut when the committee decided to hold rates steady.

In a survey conducted by the WSJ in October regarding the next Fed Chair, Governor Waller was selected as the most preferred candidate among economists. This is because he provided the most logical explanations among those advocating for rate cuts this year and is regarded as someone capable of mediating differences of opinion within the Fed.

However, there are variables. President Trump is reportedly prioritizing Kevin Warsh and Kevin Hassett as his top choices for the next Fed Chair. He already interviewed former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh last week. In addition, unlike other candidates, Governor Waller does not have a personal relationship with Trump.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that President Trump is highly likely to announce the next Fed Chair in early January next year. He stated that after interviewing one or two additional candidates by next week, the decision will be made with careful consideration.