Kevin Warsh Sworn in as US Federal Reserve Chair

Kevin Warsh was sworn in as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on Friday, May 22, 2026 ^[1].

The leadership change at the U.S. central bank comes at a critical juncture for the national economy. As the primary authority on monetary policy, the Fed chair influences interest rates and inflation control, making the transition from Jerome Powell to Warsh a pivotal shift in economic governance.

The ceremony took place at the White House in Washington, D.C. ^[2]. President Trump presided over the event, where Warsh officially assumed the role of chair ^[3]. The appointment follows the conclusion of Jerome Powell's tenure as the head of the institution ^[4].

During the proceedings, President Trump said the new chair must maintain an independent stance ^[5]. This focus on independence is intended to shield the Federal Reserve's decision-making process from political pressure while the agency navigates ongoing economic challenges ^[4].

Warsh takes over the board of governors with a mandate to manage the U.S. money supply and maintain financial stability. The transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the executive branch and the central bank, a dynamic that often centers on the balance between political goals and economic data.

Because the Federal Reserve operates with a degree of autonomy, the appointment of a new chair often signals a potential shift in how the board approaches quantitative easing or interest rate hikes. The White House ceremony serves as the formal handoff of power, ensuring the continuity of the U.S. financial system as the new leadership begins its term ^[1], ^[2].