Trump considers four finalists for new Fed chair, rules out Scott Bessent
Trump, in an Aug. 5 appearance on CNBC's Squawk Box, confirmed he is considering Kevin Warsh, a former member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Kevin Hassett, his director of the National Economic Council, for the role.
"I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good, and there are some other people that are very good," Trump said. "The two Kevins are doing very well, and I have two other people who are doing very well. In the end, there are numerous people who are very qualified."
"It will be one of four people," Trump said, adding that he won't be making a final decision soon.
More: Trump's claims of 'rigged' jobs numbers challenged by CNBC host
Trump did not reveal the names of the two other contenders but crossed off Bessent as a potential replacement for Powell, whose term as chairman ends in May 2026.
"I love Scott, but he wants to stay where he is," Trump said. I'll take him off the (list) because I asked him just last night, 'Is this something you want?' 'Nope, I want to stay where I am,'" Trump said.
Trump has for months complained about the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates steady and ignoring his calls to lower the rates. Despite repeatedly warning he might fire Powell, however, Trump has held off on doing so. Trump has emphasized that the end of Powell's term presents an opportunity to choose his replacement.
More: Trump says he 'probably' won't run for a third term in 2028
Although Powell's term as chairman ends in 2026, his term as a member of the Fed's board runs through the end of 2028.
On Aug. 1, another member of the seven-person Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, Adriana Kugler, announced she is stepping down from the board, giving Trump another opportunity to appoint someone he considers more willing to cut rates to his liking. Kugler, appointed by former President Joe Biden, joined the seven-member board in 2023 and was set to serve through January 2026.
"Don't forget, we have somebody that left early, which was a pleasant surprise," Trump said. "I'm going to be announcing that very shortly, too."
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
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12 minutes ago
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Trump tariffs live updates: Trump hits India with additional 25% tariff as world awaits sweeping duties
President Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on India over its purchases of Russian oil. The new tariff, which will come into effect in 21 days, is set to "stack" on top of an existing country-specific tariff of 25%. In doing so, Trump is set to make good on a threat for higher tariffs on India, as he as accused the country of effectively financing the Russian war in Ukraine. "They're fueling the war machine," he charged in a CNBC interview. India's first 25% levy takes effect Thursday, part of scores of new duties that will see importers paying between 10% to 50% as they bring in goods from nearly 200 countries around the globe. Outside of India, Switzerland is the developed nation whose goods face a whopping increase: up to 39%. You can see the new rates Trump is set to levy in the graphic below: Trump on Tuesday said he would soon announce tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports, as he prepares to add more sectoral duties to his mix of tariffs. He said duties on pharma could eventually balloon as high as 250%. In the past several days, Trump has unleashed a flurry of deals and trade moves leading up to his self-imposed deadline: Trump granted Mexico, the US's largest trading partner, a 90-day reprieve on higher tariffs. Trump hiked tariffs on Canadian imports to 35%, though goods contained in the US-Mexico-Canada agreement are exempt, keeping this hike's impact limited so far. The US agreed to a trade deal with South Korea. The agreement includes a 15% tariff rate on imports from the country, while the US will not be charged a tariff on its exports. Trump imposed 50% tariffs on semi-finished copper products starting Aug. 1. The president signed an order to end the de minimis exemption on low-value imports under $800, thereby applying tariffs from Aug. 29. Trump signed another order to impose a total of 50% tariffs on many goods from Brazil. However, it exempts key US imports like orange juice and aircraft parts that benefit Embraer (ERJ). The US and EU agreed to a trade deal that imposes 15% tariffs on EU goods. The nations are still working on finalizing many terms of the deal. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Here are the latest updates as the policy reverberates around the world. Trump hits India with additional 25% tariff over Russia oil buys President Trump has hit India with an additional 25% tariff due to India's purchase of Russian oil. The US President threatened India with higher tariffs earlier this week, to which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was "unjustified" and also called out the US for its double standard over Russia. In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump said that India was helping to fuel the war machine. 'They're fueling the war machine. And if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy,' Trump said. In the early days of trade negotiations, relations between the US and India appeared more friendly with both sides saying they will reach a deal within days. However, over recent months things seem to have turned sour as neither side can agree on some of the finer details within the deal, which concern dairy and agriculture products. As a result, a trade war seems to have developed between the two sides and now with this additional 25% tariff gift from Trump to Modi the two seem further away from reaching an agreement than ever before. Modi's rival blasts 'bully' Trump as public opinion hardens Rahul Gandhi, Narendra Modi's most recognizable political leader, has come out to call President Trump a "bully" for his negotiation tactics. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Trump order lowering tariffs on EU autos still days away: source European automakers will have to hold on a little while longer before President Trump lowers auto tariffs as EU-US negotiations continue. Reuters reports: Read more here. Alcohol groups say tariffs put $2B in sales and 25,000 jobs at risk In a letter to President Trump, a group comprising of 57 alcohol industry firms have said that Trump's tariffs of 15% on EU goods could reduce the value of alcohol sales by almost $2B and put 25,000 jobs at risk. Reuters reports: Read more here. Carney says he'll look at opportunities to remove tariffs on US Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he will look to assess ways in which he can remove some counter-tariffs against the US. Carney's statement seems at odds with his earlier commitments to fight back against President Trump's trade war. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says Japan to import Ford's huge F-150 pickup trucks President Trump said that Japan has agreed to accept imports of Ford's F-150 pick up trucks. This latest news is seen as a sign that the two sides may not be on the same page when it comes to their understanding of the trade agreement reached last month. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US investments under trade deal will be determined by benefits for Tokyo: Japan Reuters reports: Read more here. Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs Shares in Honda Motor (HMC) rose 2% premarket on Wednesday after the automaker reported a 50% drop in first-quarter operating profit. A stronger yen and the impact of President Trump's tariffs took their toll, but the company raised its full-year forecast. Reuters reports: Read more here. China draws red lines on US chip tracking with Nvidia meeting China is pushing back against the US over chips despite their overall trade truce. Last week, Beijing summoned Nvidia (NVDA) staff over security concerns with H20 chips, signaling opposition to the US plans to track advanced semiconductors. Analysts view China's latest move as a warning that it will not allow the US to dominate the chip sector. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says he's readying more tariffs on Russian energy buyers Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Canada to help lumber industry cope with US tariffs: Carney Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will provide funds to help the lumber industry prepare for tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more here. Starbucks under pressure again as Brazilian tariffs hike coffee costs Starbucks (SBUX) may soon hike prices on its pumpkin spice lattes and bottled Frappuccinos as it faces cost pressure from the 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee imports, which takes effect on Aug. 6. Yahoo Finance's Francisco Velasquez reports: Read more here. EU continues to press for tariff exemption on wine, spirits as part of US deal The EU is pushing for its wine and spirit exports to be exempt from US tariffs, while both sides work towards refining the deal they agreed last month. The WSJ reports: Read more here. Countries push for last-minute deals as Thursday tariff deadline looms Global importers are bracing for President Trump's next tariff deadline on Thursday morning, when the president's tiered approach to tariffs is expected to take effect. Yet some of the details around trade agreements remain fuzzy. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul reports: Read more here. Trump's copper tariffs apply to $15B of products so far President Trump's copper (HG=F) tariffs are due to hit imports valued at more than $15B in 2024, highlighting the potential inflationary impact on American manufacturers. Trump's unveiling of 50% import duties rattled the global copper market last week, because the US president provided a surprise exemption to key forms of wiring metal. But it still leaves significant trade volumes subject to tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump threatens EU with increased tariffs if it doesn't meet investment pledge President Trump threatened to hike tariffs on the European Union back to 35% if the bloc fails to live up to a pledge to invest some $600 billion in the US. "A couple of countries came [and said], 'How come the EU is paying less than us?' And I said well, because they gave me $600 billion," Trump said during a CNBC interview. "And that's a gift, that's not like, you know, a loan," he said, claiming that the terms allow the US to direct where the EU invests. Trump says pharma duties could go to 250% President Trump said he would announce tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports "within the next week or so." "We'll be putting a initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year — one and a half years, maximum — it's going to go to 150%. And then it's going to go to 250%, because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country," Trump said during a CNBC interview. He said semiconductor and chip tariffs would be in a "different category." US tariff on EU goods set at flat 15% The EU said on Tuesday that European Union goods entering the US face a flat 15% tariff, including cars and car parts. The rate includes the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff and won't exceed 15% even if the US raises tariffs on items like semiconductors and medicines. The EU said it still expects turbulence in its trade dealings with the US. Reuters reports: Read more here. India hits back at Trump's tariff threat India has called out President Trump after he threatened to "substantially raise" tariffs on Indian exports over its Russian oil purchases, slamming the move as unjustified. New Delhi said it would take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Nvidia partner Hon Hai's July sales growth weakened by tariffs Nvidia's (NVDA) main server assembly partner Hon Hai Precision ( reported a sales slowdown for July due to US tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump has hit India with an additional 25% tariff due to India's purchase of Russian oil. The US President threatened India with higher tariffs earlier this week, to which India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it was "unjustified" and also called out the US for its double standard over Russia. In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump said that India was helping to fuel the war machine. 'They're fueling the war machine. And if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy,' Trump said. In the early days of trade negotiations, relations between the US and India appeared more friendly with both sides saying they will reach a deal within days. However, over recent months things seem to have turned sour as neither side can agree on some of the finer details within the deal, which concern dairy and agriculture products. As a result, a trade war seems to have developed between the two sides and now with this additional 25% tariff gift from Trump to Modi the two seem further away from reaching an agreement than ever before. Modi's rival blasts 'bully' Trump as public opinion hardens Rahul Gandhi, Narendra Modi's most recognizable political leader, has come out to call President Trump a "bully" for his negotiation tactics. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Rahul Gandhi, Narendra Modi's most recognizable political leader, has come out to call President Trump a "bully" for his negotiation tactics. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Trump order lowering tariffs on EU autos still days away: source European automakers will have to hold on a little while longer before President Trump lowers auto tariffs as EU-US negotiations continue. Reuters reports: Read more here. European automakers will have to hold on a little while longer before President Trump lowers auto tariffs as EU-US negotiations continue. Reuters reports: Read more here. Alcohol groups say tariffs put $2B in sales and 25,000 jobs at risk In a letter to President Trump, a group comprising of 57 alcohol industry firms have said that Trump's tariffs of 15% on EU goods could reduce the value of alcohol sales by almost $2B and put 25,000 jobs at risk. Reuters reports: Read more here. In a letter to President Trump, a group comprising of 57 alcohol industry firms have said that Trump's tariffs of 15% on EU goods could reduce the value of alcohol sales by almost $2B and put 25,000 jobs at risk. Reuters reports: Read more here. Carney says he'll look at opportunities to remove tariffs on US Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he will look to assess ways in which he can remove some counter-tariffs against the US. Carney's statement seems at odds with his earlier commitments to fight back against President Trump's trade war. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that he will look to assess ways in which he can remove some counter-tariffs against the US. Carney's statement seems at odds with his earlier commitments to fight back against President Trump's trade war. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says Japan to import Ford's huge F-150 pickup trucks President Trump said that Japan has agreed to accept imports of Ford's F-150 pick up trucks. This latest news is seen as a sign that the two sides may not be on the same page when it comes to their understanding of the trade agreement reached last month. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump said that Japan has agreed to accept imports of Ford's F-150 pick up trucks. This latest news is seen as a sign that the two sides may not be on the same page when it comes to their understanding of the trade agreement reached last month. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US investments under trade deal will be determined by benefits for Tokyo: Japan Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Honda Q1 operating profit halves on tariffs Shares in Honda Motor (HMC) rose 2% premarket on Wednesday after the automaker reported a 50% drop in first-quarter operating profit. A stronger yen and the impact of President Trump's tariffs took their toll, but the company raised its full-year forecast. Reuters reports: Read more here. Shares in Honda Motor (HMC) rose 2% premarket on Wednesday after the automaker reported a 50% drop in first-quarter operating profit. A stronger yen and the impact of President Trump's tariffs took their toll, but the company raised its full-year forecast. Reuters reports: Read more here. China draws red lines on US chip tracking with Nvidia meeting China is pushing back against the US over chips despite their overall trade truce. Last week, Beijing summoned Nvidia (NVDA) staff over security concerns with H20 chips, signaling opposition to the US plans to track advanced semiconductors. Analysts view China's latest move as a warning that it will not allow the US to dominate the chip sector. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. China is pushing back against the US over chips despite their overall trade truce. Last week, Beijing summoned Nvidia (NVDA) staff over security concerns with H20 chips, signaling opposition to the US plans to track advanced semiconductors. Analysts view China's latest move as a warning that it will not allow the US to dominate the chip sector. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump says he's readying more tariffs on Russian energy buyers Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Canada to help lumber industry cope with US tariffs: Carney Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will provide funds to help the lumber industry prepare for tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more here. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will provide funds to help the lumber industry prepare for tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more here. Starbucks under pressure again as Brazilian tariffs hike coffee costs Starbucks (SBUX) may soon hike prices on its pumpkin spice lattes and bottled Frappuccinos as it faces cost pressure from the 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee imports, which takes effect on Aug. 6. Yahoo Finance's Francisco Velasquez reports: Read more here. Starbucks (SBUX) may soon hike prices on its pumpkin spice lattes and bottled Frappuccinos as it faces cost pressure from the 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee imports, which takes effect on Aug. 6. Yahoo Finance's Francisco Velasquez reports: Read more here. EU continues to press for tariff exemption on wine, spirits as part of US deal The EU is pushing for its wine and spirit exports to be exempt from US tariffs, while both sides work towards refining the deal they agreed last month. The WSJ reports: Read more here. The EU is pushing for its wine and spirit exports to be exempt from US tariffs, while both sides work towards refining the deal they agreed last month. The WSJ reports: Read more here. Countries push for last-minute deals as Thursday tariff deadline looms Global importers are bracing for President Trump's next tariff deadline on Thursday morning, when the president's tiered approach to tariffs is expected to take effect. Yet some of the details around trade agreements remain fuzzy. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul reports: Read more here. Global importers are bracing for President Trump's next tariff deadline on Thursday morning, when the president's tiered approach to tariffs is expected to take effect. Yet some of the details around trade agreements remain fuzzy. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul reports: Read more here. Trump's copper tariffs apply to $15B of products so far President Trump's copper (HG=F) tariffs are due to hit imports valued at more than $15B in 2024, highlighting the potential inflationary impact on American manufacturers. Trump's unveiling of 50% import duties rattled the global copper market last week, because the US president provided a surprise exemption to key forms of wiring metal. But it still leaves significant trade volumes subject to tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. President Trump's copper (HG=F) tariffs are due to hit imports valued at more than $15B in 2024, highlighting the potential inflationary impact on American manufacturers. Trump's unveiling of 50% import duties rattled the global copper market last week, because the US president provided a surprise exemption to key forms of wiring metal. But it still leaves significant trade volumes subject to tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Trump threatens EU with increased tariffs if it doesn't meet investment pledge President Trump threatened to hike tariffs on the European Union back to 35% if the bloc fails to live up to a pledge to invest some $600 billion in the US. "A couple of countries came [and said], 'How come the EU is paying less than us?' And I said well, because they gave me $600 billion," Trump said during a CNBC interview. "And that's a gift, that's not like, you know, a loan," he said, claiming that the terms allow the US to direct where the EU invests. President Trump threatened to hike tariffs on the European Union back to 35% if the bloc fails to live up to a pledge to invest some $600 billion in the US. "A couple of countries came [and said], 'How come the EU is paying less than us?' And I said well, because they gave me $600 billion," Trump said during a CNBC interview. "And that's a gift, that's not like, you know, a loan," he said, claiming that the terms allow the US to direct where the EU invests. Trump says pharma duties could go to 250% President Trump said he would announce tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports "within the next week or so." "We'll be putting a initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year — one and a half years, maximum — it's going to go to 150%. And then it's going to go to 250%, because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country," Trump said during a CNBC interview. He said semiconductor and chip tariffs would be in a "different category." President Trump said he would announce tariffs on semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports "within the next week or so." "We'll be putting a initially small tariff on pharmaceuticals, but in one year — one and a half years, maximum — it's going to go to 150%. And then it's going to go to 250%, because we want pharmaceuticals made in our country," Trump said during a CNBC interview. He said semiconductor and chip tariffs would be in a "different category." US tariff on EU goods set at flat 15% The EU said on Tuesday that European Union goods entering the US face a flat 15% tariff, including cars and car parts. The rate includes the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff and won't exceed 15% even if the US raises tariffs on items like semiconductors and medicines. The EU said it still expects turbulence in its trade dealings with the US. Reuters reports: Read more here. The EU said on Tuesday that European Union goods entering the US face a flat 15% tariff, including cars and car parts. The rate includes the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff and won't exceed 15% even if the US raises tariffs on items like semiconductors and medicines. The EU said it still expects turbulence in its trade dealings with the US. Reuters reports: Read more here. India hits back at Trump's tariff threat India has called out President Trump after he threatened to "substantially raise" tariffs on Indian exports over its Russian oil purchases, slamming the move as unjustified. New Delhi said it would take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. India has called out President Trump after he threatened to "substantially raise" tariffs on Indian exports over its Russian oil purchases, slamming the move as unjustified. New Delhi said it would take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Nvidia partner Hon Hai's July sales growth weakened by tariffs Nvidia's (NVDA) main server assembly partner Hon Hai Precision ( reported a sales slowdown for July due to US tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Nvidia's (NVDA) main server assembly partner Hon Hai Precision ( reported a sales slowdown for July due to US tariffs. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Bank Of America Feels Economy May Grow 1% to 1.5% With No Recession
Bank of America's boss Brian Moynihan is pretty upbeat, telling CNBC you shouldn't brace for a recession because he expects U.S. growth of 1%1.5% this year. He also says the Fed won't cut rates until 2026, even though Liberation Day tariffs briefly slowed spending in May. Consumers snapped back, with card, check, ATM and digital payments up 5% in July 2025 vs July 2024, according to BofA data. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with IST:ISCTR. Moynihan adds that credit quality is strong and borrowers still have room to take on debt. On the labor front, he notes 4.2% unemployment sits below most full-employment estimates, so future job gains will be limited by available workers rather than weak demand. If consumers keep this up and the job market stays tight, we could see a year without rate cuts and no will be eyeing the Fed's December meeting for any hint of a policy shift. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fed's Cook says tepid July jobs data merits concern
(Reuters) -Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said on Wednesday that July hiring data released last Friday was 'concerning' in the moderation of the pace of hiring. Cook, who was speaking at an event held by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, said big revisions like those seen in the July jobs report 'are somewhat typical of turning points' in the economy.
