Waller had a ‘strong interview’ for Fed chair with Trump
U.S. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller speaks during the C. Peter McColough International Economic Series at the Council on Foreign Relations on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in New York, United States.
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller conducted a “robust interview” with President Donald Trump for the central bank governor position, according to senior administration officials; In this interview, the duo discussed in depth the labor market and how job creation can be jump-started.
The interview took place at the president’s residence and ended shortly before Trump addresses the nation on the economy on Wednesday night. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief Dan Scavino also attended the meeting.
Blackrock’s Rick Rieder will interview for the Fed chairman job at Mar-a-Lago in the last week of the year, officials said. They also noted that Fed Governor Michelle Bowman is no longer running for the post.
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, the favorite in the prediction markets, and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh had previously interviewed Trump.
Officials said job interviews with Waller were concerning and criticism that the president was seeking a nominee based on criteria that the next Fed chief would bow to Trump’s whims on interest rates was misplaced. They said the president’s interest in interviews with candidates was broad-based, covering a range of economic issues.
Last week, Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he thought the Fed chairman should consult with him on interest rates. “That doesn’t mean he has to do exactly what we say,” the president said. “But surely we… I am a wise voice and should be listened to.”
In the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump praised Waller in response to a reporter’s question. “I think he’s great. I mean, he’s a guy who’s been there a long time, he’s someone I have a very close relationship with.” Trump interviewed Waller in 2019 and nominated her to be Fed governor.
Despite Waller’s praise and the positive description of the interview, there was no indication that she was a favorite candidate for the job. It was clear that the negotiation process was ongoing, with only the obvious implication that the president had not yet made a decision. Officials said the talks followed a “highly organized process.”
“I will soon be announcing the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, a person who believes interest rates will be much lower, and mortgage payments will be even lower,” Trump said Wednesday.
Waller lifting dumbbells
Waller dissented in July when the Fed kept interest rates steady; It was a prescient move for the Fed to start cutting rates in September and cut interest rates twice more before the end of the year.
No details were given about what the two men talked about job opportunities, but the conversation suggests Trump may be more focused on the issue. The latest November jobs report showed the unemployment rate rose to 4.6% from 4.4% in September, while employment growth slowed.
“More people are working today than at any time in American history. And 100 percent of all jobs created since I took office have been in the private sector,” Trump said in his speech Wednesday.
Since January, the private sector has added 687,000 jobs and the government has lost 188,000 jobs as part of the administration’s sweeping layoffs.
On a lighter note, the president was said to be seriously impressed when he was informed that Waller could deadlift 350 pounds.
