Who is Kevin Warsh? Secret White House meeting with Trump that made him lead Fed Chair race

As the US approaches a potentially pivotal moment in global economic policy, former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Jerome Powell as the next Federal Reserve Chair, a decision expected to be formally announced by President Donald Trump imminently. This development has triggered intense speculation in financial markets, widespread debate over the Fed’s future direction and questions about central bank independence in the face of political pressure.On January 29–30, 2026, sources familiar with internal White House discussions confirmed that Warsh’s candidacy gained significant momentum following a private meeting with President Trump at the White House, during which Warsh impressed senior officials with his views on monetary policy and economic strategy. While the nomination was not yet formally announced as of Thursday evening, Trump has indicated that his choice would be revealed the next day and that it would be someone “respected and well-known in the financial world,” a description many observers see as fitting Warsh.

Who is Kevin Warsh: The contender at the heart of the Fed drama

Kevin Warsh is not a newcomer to US economic policy. He previously served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011, under Presidents George W Bush and Barack Obama and played a key role during the 2008 financial crisis as the central bank’s liaison to Wall Street. After leaving the Fed, Warsh transitioned into academia and economic research, holding positions as a distinguished visiting fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and advising public and private organisations on economic and monetary matters.