Fed Independence Reaffirmed: Trump's Views Hold 'No Weight' on Interest Rates, Says Economist Hassett

Top economist and potential Federal Reserve chair candidate Kevin Hassett has firmly stated that former President Donald Trump's opinions would carry "no weight" in the central bank's interest rate decisions. Hassett, a former Trump advisor himself, emphasized the critical importance of the Fed's political independence. This declaration comes amidst market speculation about potential political pressure on monetary policy. Hassett highlighted that the Federal Reserve's mandate is strictly guided by economic data, including employment figures and inflation targets, not by external political commentary. The statement serves to reassure financial markets about the stability and autonomy of the U.S. central bank's decision-making process regarding future rate hikes or cuts.