Fed’s Waller and Treasury Secretary Bessent Discuss Chair Speculation
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller recently joined FOX Business’ Edward Lawrence for an exclusive interview, expressing his support for a potential quarter-point rate cut in December. This comes as inflation shows signs of cooling and the labor market begins to weaken.
On Monday, Waller revealed that he had a recent meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss the economic outlook of the nation. This meeting has sparked speculation regarding Waller’s potential candidacy to lead the Federal Reserve.
“I talked to Scott about 10 days ago and we had a great meeting,” Waller shared with FOX Business Network’s Edward Lawrence. He emphasized that their discussion was strictly focused on economics, stating that his conversations with the administration have “never been political.”
ONE OF TRUMP’S TOP PICKS FOR FED CHAIR DOUBLES DOWN ON RATE CUT DEMANDS
Christopher Waller, governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has previously called for rate cuts, a move that aligns, in part, with President Donald Trump. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
When asked about Bessent’s criteria for narrowing down President Donald Trump’s list of potential Federal Reserve chairs, Waller stated, “I believe they’re looking for somebody with merit, experience, and a strong grasp of the job, and I think I fit that bill.”
Bessent has been interviewing candidates since Labor Day and has previously mentioned a preference for individuals who are “forward-looking, not backward-looking on regulation” for the Fed chair position.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been interviewing candidates for President Donald Trump since Labor Day. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, is set to complete his term in May 2026. Trump has openly criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates swiftly enough during his presidency.
A LOOK AT THE UNFOLDING BATTLE BETWEEN TRUMP AND POWELL OVER FED POLICY
Recently, Trump expressed his eagerness to appoint a new chairman during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was appointed by Trump in 2017. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Among Trump’s potential candidates to succeed Powell, Waller stands out as the veteran academic. He has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent Federal Reserve.
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Waller has reiterated his calls for rate cuts, aligning with Trump’s demands. He pointed to a slowdown in consumer spending and job market gains as justifications for lowering rates. Addressing Trump’s trade blitz, Waller noted that the Fed should “look through tariff effects,” asserting that the impact on inflation rates will be temporary.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller recently joined FOX Business’ Edward Lawrence for an exclusive interview, expressing his support for a potential quarter-point rate cut in December. This comes as inflation shows signs of cooling and the labor market begins to weaken.
On Monday, Waller revealed that he had a recent meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss the economic outlook of the nation. This meeting has sparked speculation regarding Waller’s potential candidacy to lead the Federal Reserve.
“I talked to Scott about 10 days ago and we had a great meeting,” Waller shared with FOX Business Network’s Edward Lawrence. He emphasized that their discussion was strictly focused on economics, stating that his conversations with the administration have “never been political.”
ONE OF TRUMP’S TOP PICKS FOR FED CHAIR DOUBLES DOWN ON RATE CUT DEMANDS
Christopher Waller, governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has previously called for rate cuts, a move that aligns, in part, with President Donald Trump. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
When asked about Bessent’s criteria for narrowing down President Donald Trump’s list of potential Federal Reserve chairs, Waller stated, “I believe they’re looking for somebody with merit, experience, and a strong grasp of the job, and I think I fit that bill.”
Bessent has been interviewing candidates since Labor Day and has previously mentioned a preference for individuals who are “forward-looking, not backward-looking on regulation” for the Fed chair position.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been interviewing candidates for President Donald Trump since Labor Day. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, is set to complete his term in May 2026. Trump has openly criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates swiftly enough during his presidency.
A LOOK AT THE UNFOLDING BATTLE BETWEEN TRUMP AND POWELL OVER FED POLICY
Recently, Trump expressed his eagerness to appoint a new chairman during a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was appointed by Trump in 2017. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Among Trump’s potential candidates to succeed Powell, Waller stands out as the veteran academic. He has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining an independent Federal Reserve.
CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO
Waller has reiterated his calls for rate cuts, aligning with Trump’s demands. He pointed to a slowdown in consumer spending and job market gains as justifications for lowering rates. Addressing Trump’s trade blitz, Waller noted that the Fed should “look through tariff effects,” asserting that the impact on inflation rates will be temporary.
