Trump says Bessent an option for next Fed Chair, praises Treasury role

Published 16/07/2025, 01:36
© Reuters

Investing.com-- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was a potential option to succeed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, but that he was happy with his work at the Treasury. 

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump said “(Bessent) is an option, and he’s very good. Well, he’s not, because I like the job he’s doing, right?”

Recent reports showed former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett are also being considered as Powell’s replacement. 

Trump has repeatedly lashed out against Powell, urging the central banker to cut interest rates or risk economic damage. Powell, on the other hand, has flagged few near-term plans to cut rates, citing uncertainty over the inflationary effects of Trump’s trade tariffs.

Speaking on his tariffs on Tuesday, Trump said a proposed 200% duty on pharmaceutical imports was likely coming by the end of the month. Trump’s tariffs on major U.S. trading partners are set to take effect from August 1.

Trump’s Tuesday comments came just hours after consumer price index data showed an uptick in inflation in June. Analysts expressed concerns that shrinking inventory levels for U.S. businesses could eventually see Trump’s tariffs being passed on to domestic consumers, pushing up inflation in the coming months. 

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