Fact Check: "Trump has a list of three or four potential successors for Powell."
What We Know
Recently, President Donald Trump publicly stated that he is considering "three or four" candidates to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whose term is set to expire in May 2026. During a press conference in The Hague, Trump remarked, “I know within three or four people who I’m going to pick,” indicating a clear intent to identify potential successors (Politico). This statement aligns with reports from various sources, including Reuters and USA Today, which confirm Trump's focus on identifying candidates for the position.
Analysis
Trump's assertion about having potential successors for Powell is corroborated by multiple credible news outlets. For instance, Forbes notes that Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Powell and has hinted at naming a successor as early as September or October 2025. This suggests that Trump's statement is not merely speculative but part of a broader strategy regarding his administration's economic policy.
However, it is important to note that while Trump has mentioned having candidates in mind, he has not disclosed their identities. Reports have speculated on potential candidates, including former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council head Kevin Hassett, but these remain unconfirmed (CNN). The lack of specific names raises questions about the certainty of Trump's claims, but the consistency across multiple sources lends credibility to the assertion that he is indeed considering successors.
The sources used in this analysis are generally reliable, with Politico, Reuters, and Forbes being established news organizations known for their political reporting. However, the use of anonymous sources in some reports may introduce a degree of uncertainty regarding the details of Trump's plans.
Conclusion
The claim that "Trump has a list of three or four potential successors for Powell" is True. Trump's own statements and corroborating reports from credible news sources confirm that he is actively considering candidates to replace Powell, although specific names have not been officially released.
Sources
- Trump says he is considering three or four candidates for ...
- Trump has '3 or 4' picks in mind to replace Fed's Powell
- When Will Trump Name New Fed Chair? What To Know As He Eyes Powell ...
- Trump is focusing on '3 or 4 people' in hunt to replace Powell at Fed
- Trump's 'shadow' Fed chair plan could undermine Jerome Powell and ...
