Before I was the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, I was little Hal. After taking office, you should call me Chairman.

Kevin Hassett, the Chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, stated that if he were chosen to lead the Federal Reserve, he would consider President Trump's policy opinions, but the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions would remain independent.

Hassett stated on Sunday: "The President has very strong and well-founded views on what we should do. But ultimately, the responsibility of the Federal Reserve is to maintain independence and work with the members of the Board and the FOMC to reach a collective consensus on the level of interest rates.

" Hassett stated: "Even as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, I would be very willing to talk to the President every day until we both pass away because talking to him is 'so interesting.'" However, he dismissed the notion that the President's opinions would carry the same weight as those of the voting members of the FOMC, stating that policymakers are free to reject his opinions and 'vote differently.' Hassett said: "No, no, he won't have any weight. It's just that if his opinions are good and data-driven, then they matter."