Overview
- The president plans to meet three finalists in early December with a decision expected by Dec. 25, Bessent said on Fox News.
- An additional interview round will occur before the White House conducts its own vetting of the contenders.
- The candidate pool has been reduced from 11 to five, according to Bessent.
- Bessent ruled himself out, saying he will not be the next Federal Reserve chair.
- Jerome Powell’s term runs through May 2026, and recent rate cuts to about 3.75%–4% set the policy backdrop as Trump continues to criticize the Fed.