ECONOMY

Warsh sworn in as Fed chair amid mounting economic pressures

PUBLISHED May 22, 2026, 7:05 AM ET

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Washington: Kevin Warsh was sworn in as Federal Reserve chair on May 22 at a White House ceremony, taking office after a year-long public audition and prior criticism of his predecessor. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath, and Warsh pledged to lead a 'reform-oriented' Fed while emphasizing independence and the central bank's dual mandate. Friday's ceremony featured President Donald Trump urging independence even as he has pressured the Fed on interest rates; Mr Trump said Warsh should help the economy 'boom'. The appointment comes amid high inflation, oil-price shocks tied to Middle East tensions, tariff-driven costs and rapid AI-driven economic change, factors officials said will complicate real-time monetary policy assessments.

By Sidra | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

In the months before the appointment, President Trump repeatedly criticized Fed leadership and sought lower interest rates.
Kevin Warsh completed a year-long public audition and secured Trump's backing to lead the Fed.
May 22: Warsh was sworn in at a White House ceremony; Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath.
Warsh publicly pledged to pursue a 'reform-oriented' Fed while emphasizing independence and the dual mandate.
Media and officials highlighted concurrent pressures: high inflation, oil-price spikes tied to Middle East tensions, tariffs, and AI-related economic changes.

News Intelligence

Kevin Warsh is now leading the Federal Reserve. He's promising reforms and independence. This could affect your wallet, as the Fed's decisions impact interest rates, inflation, and overall economic health. Keep an eye on your savings and loan rates.

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