Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council at the White House, Takes the Lead in the Federal Reserve Chairman Race

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett is emerging as a leading candidate to be the next Federal Reserve chairman, according to multiple sources, as Trump considers appointing a Fed leader more aligned with his views. It is not yet certain whether Hassett will ultimately be nominated. But sources say Hassett has an advantage that others do not. He is the head of the National Economic Council and served as a key economic advisor during Trump's first term. Hassett has worked for Trump for nearly a decade and is one of the few advisors who has both earned the president's trust and maintained a long-term good relationship. After serving in two positions in Trump's first administration, he joined a private equity firm founded by Trump's son-in-law, Kushner, and advised Trump on economic policy during the 2024 presidential campaign. In addition, Hassett is also seen as a disciplined and media-savvy spokesperson, a trait Trump has long sought in his senior appointees. Evercore IS noted that Hassett's biggest challenge is that he must prove to the market that, despite being a staunch Trump supporter, he can remain sufficiently independent as Fed chairman to maintain the Fed's credibility. (Golden Ten) [Odaily Planet Daily News]