Overview
- Speaking at a U.S.–Saudi investment forum in Washington, President Trump said he would "love to fire" Jerome Powell and told Bessent to "work on" lowering rates.
- Trump repeated that he believes he already knows his pick to replace Powell but declined to identify the choice.
- Bessent reaffirmed he will not take the job and detailed a five-person slate — Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman and Rick Rieder — with another interview round to follow.
- Prediction markets on Polymarket and Kalshi moved sharply toward Hassett after Trump’s comments, with odds in the mid-to-high 40% range.
- Powell remains chair with a term ending in May 2026, and Trump acknowledged advisers have urged him not to attempt removal before the term expires.