Overview
- People familiar with the matter told reporters that President Trump has periodically phoned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh since Warsh’s confirmation to ask for his views on forecasts and broad economic issues.
- Reports say the conversations have covered topics such as the economic effects of the war in Iran and the rise of artificial intelligence while it remains unclear whether interest-rate decisions were discussed.
- Chairman Warsh has declined to disclose the content of private calls to Congress and the Fed declined to comment, while the White House said the president is giving Warsh space and reaffirmed Fed independence.
- The contacts come against a backdrop of Mr. Trump’s past, public pressure on the Fed, including criticism of former Chair Jerome Powell and administration moves that have targeted Fed governors.
- Observers say the calls could affect market perceptions and the Fed’s credibility, and reporters will be watching whether future disclosures or policy moves clarify whether the conversations influence monetary decisions.