Overview
- In a Wall Street Journal interview, Trump said the future Fed chair should consult him before interest-rate decisions.
- Speaking to reporters, he said he will choose a new chair "in the fairly near future."
- He named former Fed governor Kevin Warsh and National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett as his leading candidates.
- Trump said the Fed would not be required to follow his advice and described himself as "a smart voice that should be listened to."
- Coverage notes the consultation demand conflicts with the Federal Reserve's long-standing independence from political direction.