White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated on Monday that if he were on the Federal Reserve, he would choose to keep interest rates unchanged or lower them.

He also noted that artificial intelligence could become the most important policy issue over the next two years, and that the U.S. government is closely reviewing AI safety concerns.

President Donald Trump last week renewed threats to fire Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook, stating he was "considering removing" her and giving her until August 26 to respond to allegations raised by the White House.

Hassett expressed hope that Cook's claim of no mortgage fraud is true, while ruling out the possibility of him replacing Cook on the central bank's board. Hassett said: "She says she is 100% innocent, and I hope that is true."

When asked if he might succeed Cook if she is ultimately removed, Hassett replied: "No, I can assure you, that is not going to happen."

Regarding recent yen volatility, Hassett said the yen's moves fall under Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's jurisdiction and he had no comment, dismissing the need to fabricate a U.S. Treasury bond theory to stabilize the yen. A stable yen, he added, helps prevent crisis contagion.

Hassett also described Kevin Warsh as "as independent as they come," and stated that the duration of the U.S. government's holdings of Intel stock is a decision for President Trump.