Hassett: Trump can advise Fed, but rate decisions remain independent

• Kevin Hassett, a potential Fed chair, stated he would consider President Trump's policy opinions but the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions would remain independent.
• Hassett emphasized the Fed's independence, noting that the president's opinion would not hold voting weight in policy decisions.
• President Trump believes he should recommend Fed rates and has been pressuring the current Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, to lower them.
• Hassett is a frontrunner for the Fed chair position, a role Trump expects will lead to lower interest rates.

Why It Matters: It clarifies the Fed's independent role despite presidential pressure on interest rates.