Kevin Warsh was sworn in on Friday, May 15, 2026, as the 17th chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, succeeding Jerome Powell at a time of macroeconomic volatility and intense political scrutiny. His elevation follows a historically narrow and contentious confirmation process in the U.S. Senate, which approved him as chair on May 13 by a 54–45 vote, the tightest margin for a Fed chief in modern history. A day earlier, senators confirmed him to the Board of Governors to replace Stephen Miran. Powell, whose term as chair has ended, will unusually remain on the Board as a voting governor amid a continuing Department of Justice investigation into internal Fed operations.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.