Crypto Friendly Kevin Hassett Emerges as Donald Trump Top Candidate for Fed Chair

TLDR

• Kevin Hassett is seen as Trump’s top pick for the next Federal Reserve chair.
• Hassett played a key role in shaping crypto regulations during his tenure.
• Hassett’s crypto ties include an investment in Coinbase valued at $1 million.
• The final Fed Chair nomination will go through the Senate after Trump’s selection.

Kevin Hassett, a prominent figure in the Trump administration, has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next Federal Reserve Chair. Known for his work with the National Economic Council (NEC), where he had a key role in the digital asset market working group, Hassett is positioned to influence both economic policy and financial regulations should he be appointed.

Kevin Hassett Role in Trump’s Economic Strategy

Hassett’s candidacy comes as no surprise to those familiar with his career and his close relationship with President Donald Trump. As Director of the White House’s NEC, Hassett was instrumental in shaping economic policy, particularly in the realm of digital assets. Under his leadership, the NEC launched a comprehensive report that outlined guidelines for cryptocurrency regulation, touching on topics like stablecoins, taxes, and illicit finance.

During his tenure, Hassett has consistently voiced his support for lower interest rates, which aligns with Trump’s long-standing criticism of the Federal Reserve’s policies under Jerome Powell. This shared viewpoint on interest rates is a key factor in Trump’s possible selection of Hassett as the next Fed Chair. Speaking on the matter, Hassett remarked on November 20 that, if he were in charge, he would begin cutting interest rates immediately based on economic data.

Role of Digital Assets in Hassett’s Candidacy

Hassett’s connection to the digital asset space has further solidified his position as a key figure in the Fed Chair race. In June, he disclosed his stake in Coinbase, one of the largest U.S. crypto exchanges, valued at $1 million. This, coupled with his involvement in the digital assets working group, has drawn attention to his views on cryptocurrency.

Advisors to President Trump believe that Hassett would be able to bring the president’s stance on digital assets to the Federal Reserve. With the growing importance of cryptocurrency in global finance, having someone with Hassett’s background would allow for a more aligned approach toward integrating digital currencies into the broader U.S. financial system.

Despite his alignment with Trump, there is still uncertainty regarding the final decision. The nomination process for the next Fed chair is highly scrutinized and will require Senate approval. However, Hassett’s track record and expertise in the digital asset space place him at the top of the list.

Trump’s Approach to the Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

Since his presidency, Trump has been vocal about his desire for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates more aggressively.

He expressed disappointment with the Fed’s reluctance to implement rate cuts as quickly as he desired, and at one point even considered firing Chairman Jerome Powell. This frustration stems from Trump’s belief that lower borrowing costs would stimulate economic growth.

The decision to nominate Hassett would reflect Trump’s desire to install someone who shares his views on interest rates and economic policy. In the past, Hassett has been critical of the Fed’s handling of inflation, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. These viewpoints align closely with Trump’s ongoing criticism of the Fed’s policies, making Hassett a natural candidate for the role.

Senate Approval and Hassett’s Future at the Fed

Hassett’s potential appointment as Federal Reserve Chair is not yet finalized. The next step in the process involves confirmation from the Senate, which will review his qualifications and suitability for the role. While Hassett’s close relationship with Trump positions him as the favorite, political dynamics within the Senate could still influence the outcome.

Should Hassett be confirmed, he would serve as the chair of the Federal Reserve for a term of 14 years. This would make him one of the longest-serving officials in U.S. economic policy. The long tenure would give him the ability to shape U.S. financial policies for years to come, with a focus on interest rates, digital assets, and economic growth.

If Hassett is indeed selected, he will be tasked with managing the U.S. economy through a time of unprecedented change, as digital assets continue to gain influence and the global financial system faces new challenges.