Trump Says He Has Chosen Next Fed Chair, BlackRock Executive a ‘Dark Horse’

**Jan. 23 (Reuters) — Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday he’s finished interviewing candidates for the next Federal Reserve chair, hinting the pick is a “highly respected, extremely well-known” heavyweight set to replace current Chair Jerome Powell when his term expires in May. Trump noted he’s “almost down to one person” for the role but didn’t name the finalist. Publicly known contenders include National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, BlackRock Fixed Income chief Rick Rieder, current Fed Governor Christopher Waller, and ex-Governor Kevin Warsh. Trump has hinted Hassett is more likely to stay in the White House than take the Fed post. Notably, Trump’s recent public praise of Rieder as “impressive” has boosted his nomination odds sharply. Prediction market Kalshi shows Rieder’s probability has climbed to 33% — double his level earlier this week and up from just 3% 10 days ago. Former Fed Governor Warsh still leads with 45% odds, though his lead has shrunk. Trump’s tense relationship with Powell persists: he’s repeatedly criticized Powell for being “too slow” on rate cuts and downplayed his influence on the Fed Board once his chair term ends. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said Trump could announce his pick next week. The new Fed chair nominee is widely expected to shape U.S. monetary policy and move global financial markets significantly.**