PANews reported on December 15th that, according to CBS's "Face the Nation," National Economic Council Director Hassett stated that even if nominated by Trump as Federal Reserve Chairman, he would not set interest rate policy according to the president's wishes, and the FOMC's consensus-based decision-making mechanism must remain independent. Previously, Trump publicly stated that he should have the power to influence interest rate setting and considered Hassett or former Governor Warsh to succeed Powell, whose term as Federal Reserve Chairman expires in May 2026.