White House Adviser Says Trump and Fed Chief Frequently Talk About Economy, President Respects Central Bank Independence

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh frequently discuss the economy. The top White House economic adviser's remarks on Friday further revealed the content and scope of phone calls between Trump and Warsh since he took office as Fed chairman in May.

Hassett said he is not involved in these calls but insisted he is "confident" the president does not pressure the Fed chairman on interest rate decisions. "Kevin Warsh and the president have had a very close relationship for a long time, with connections in both New York and Florida, and they have always talked about the economy," Hassett said in an interview. "I also communicate with Kevin, and so does Scott Bessent, so this is really not news."

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett noted that President Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh "always" discuss the economy. He also stated he is confident Trump does not tell Warsh how to handle interest rates. Given the usual interaction patterns between the White House and the Fed, it is not common for Trump and Warsh to speak on the phone periodically, raising concerns that the president might be trying to influence the central bank's decisions.

Hassett said Trump "respects the Fed's independence." Previous presidents and Fed chairs have also had phone calls and meetings, but they were not frequent. Typically, the main liaison between the Fed chair and the administration is the Treasury Secretary, with the two having breakfast together almost every week. The Fed chair also regularly communicates with the National Economic Council director.

"The fact is, the Fed now has a chairman who the president is one hundred percent confident will make the right decisions based on data and will not play partisan politics," Hassett said.