Kevin Hassett emerges as Trump’s top Fed chair pick, backed by his pro-crypto stance and support for faster interest-rate cuts.
Kevin Hassett now sits at the center of one of Washington’s most-watched decisions.
His name continues to surface as President Donald Trump’s favored option to lead the Federal Reserve, according to reports.
The search has reached an important stage as Powell’s term as chair ends next May, and Trump’s advisers treat the next choice as a major shift in economic direction.
Hassett Moves Into the Spotlight
Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants a Fed chair who shares his views on interest rates.
As it happens, Hassett happens to fit that mold.
He currently leads the National Economic Council and manages the White House’s digital asset working group. That group even released a report earlier this year that laid out the administration’s thinking on crypto rules.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Kevin Hassett is now President Trump’s top choice to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair. pic.twitter.com/A8QPcLhYm4
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) November 25, 2025
Trump’s advisers say that he trusts Hassett. That trust matters because the president wants someone he feels understands his goals for the economy. Hassett has appeared open to that direction.
He has supported lower interest rates and said he would be cutting rates now based on recent data. Trump often repeats the idea that the Fed should move faster and Hassett’s comments line up with that view.
Hassett did not hide his interest in the job.
When Fox News asked if he would take the position, he answered yes and said he wanted to serve his country and his president. He also noted that many qualified candidates remain in the mix.
Hassett’s Crypto Ties Draw Attention
Hassett stands out for another reason. He has been involved in crypto policy for years.
He disclosed earlier this year that he owns more than one million dollars in Coinbase stock. He also received a salary from Coinbase for his work on its Academic and Regulatory Advisory Council.
That council was formed in 2023 and included former officials like Jay Clayton.
His background also includes service on the advisory board for One River Digital Asset Management. He even served as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers during Trump’s first term.
This long record with both traditional policy and digital assets adds to his influence in discussions inside the White House.
Supporters of Trump’s digital asset agenda believe he would be friendly to crypto development.
Related Reading: Crypto Markets React as Hassett Predicts Shutdown Resolution
Trump’s Broader Shortlist Leans Toward Crypto
Hassett is not the only figure in the running. Fed Governor Chris Waller has expressed interest in defi as well.
Michelle Bowman has suggested that Fed staff should be allowed to invest small amounts in digital assets to improve their understanding of the field.
Rick Rieder from BlackRock and former Fed official Kevin Warsh also remain in the group of candidates.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent now leads the selection process and has interviewed many contenders. Advisers say the group has narrowed to five names, and finalists are expected to meet soon with the White House chief of staff and Vice President JD Vance.
The president hopes to make a decision before Christmas, but Trump has a history of changing direction at the last minute.
Even so, many people close to him believe Hassett is one of the likely picks. Trump has praised him often. He also says the next chair must understand his economic direction.
In all, those close to the process say Trump does not want another experience like his frustration with Powell, who did not cut rates as fast as Trump wanted.