The Playbook Podcast Trump’s Fed pick is coming
Jan 30, 2026
They unpack the imminent Fed chair decision and the narrowed shortlist fueling speculation. Markets and Fed independence concerns get attention as yields and reactions are tracked. Tariff threats and pressure on neighboring countries over oil shipments are explored. Capitol Hill funding fights and negotiations over immigration enforcement funding are also discussed.
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Markets Shape The Fed Decision
- The Fed chair choice has been a months-long saga shaped by Trump’s fraught relationship with Jerome Powell and market concerns.
- Kevin Warsh emerged as a likely pick because he’s known in finance and was on Trump’s earlier shortlist.
Investigation Raised Independence Fears
- The Justice Department probe into Jay Powell heightened worries about Fed independence and market reactions.
- That investigation made Kevin Hassett less appealing due to perceived White House closeness and potential market panic.
Markets React Quickly To Shortlist Rumors
- All four finalists interviewed with the president, and markets moved on rumors that Kevin Warsh was the choice.
- Treasury yields rose in Asian trading after the Warsh reports, signaling market sensitivity to the selection.