Hassett has intensified the race for Fed Chair while dismissing concerns about political influence as the competition to lead the U.S. Federal Reserve is limited to two frontrunners, with Kevin Hassett pushing back against claims that President Donald Trump could influence monetary policy. Speaking on CBS's Face the Nation, Hassett emphasized that the Fed's decisions will remain data-driven and firmly in the hands of #FOMC , regardless of political opinion. With the announcement of the next Fed Chair expected in mid-January, the race appears to be between Hassett and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh. Prediction markets have reflected changing dynamics, with odds increasing after Trump publicly praised Warsh, even as Hassett is gaining ground on some platforms. This discussion comes at a sensitive moment for the markets. Following the Fed's recent 25-basis point rate cut, risk assets—including crypto—have remained quiet, indicating how closely investors are watching the next chapter of U.S. monetary leadership. As expectations build around rate policy in 2026, the choice for Fed Chair is becoming a clear macro narrative.