Overview
- At Davos, Trump said the search is down to "maybe one" in his mind and called BlackRock executive Rick Rieder "very impressive," while signaling he prefers to keep Kevin Hassett at the National Economic Council.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has narrowed the shortlist to Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller, Rick Rieder and Kevin Hassett, with interviews completed and a decision expected soon.
- Prediction markets shifted after Trump’s remarks, lifting Rieder to roughly one‑third odds on Kalshi as Warsh remained the leader near the mid‑40 percent range.
- The Justice Department issued subpoenas tied to Fed headquarters renovations, which Powell labeled a "pretext," and Senator Thom Tillis vowed to block Fed nominations until the matter is resolved.
- Trump intensified pressure on Powell, saying his life "won’t be very happy" if he stays on the Board after his chair term ends in May, a role Powell could legally continue through 2028.