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Donald Trump has played down the chances he will nominate Kevin Hassett as the next Federal Reserve chair, dealing a blow to the National Economic Council director, who has been considered the frontrunner.
The president said on Friday that the prospect of Hassett leaving his current role was a “serious concern”, sending the odds of his main rival Kevin Warsh taking the Fed role surging on betting markets.
“I see Kevin [Hassett]’s in the audience and I just want to thank you, you were fantastic on television today,” Trump said. “I actually want to keep you where you are if you want to know the truth.”
He added: “Kevin Hassett is so good. I’m saying wait a minute. If I move him . . . I would lose you. It’s a serious concern for me.”