Kevin Hassett, one of the leading contenders to become the next Federal Reserve chair, made it clear on Sunday that the central bank needs to remain fully independent—free from political
pressure, even from President Trump himself.
Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Hassett stressed that monetary policy shouldn’t be influenced by any administration. “I would say 100% that monetary policy, Federal Reserve, monetary policy, needs to be fully independent of political influence, including from President Trump,” he said.
Hassett pointed to history as a warning, noting that when political leaders take control of central banks, it often ends badly—leading to rising prices and hardship for everyday families. “What tends to happen is that it’s a recipe for inflation and misery for consumers,” he explained.
His comments come at a time when Trump’s economic promises are under pressure. Job growth has slowed sharply, hiring is collapsing, and inflation is creeping upward—adding even more weight to the debate over how the Fed should operate in the months ahead. Photo by Executive Office of the President of the United States, Wikimedia commons.
