Trump lauds Chris Waller as ‘great’ after Fed chair interview, will pick within weeks

cointelegraphPubblicato 2025-12-19Pubblicato ultima volta 2025-12-19

Introduzione

President Donald Trump praised Federal Reserve chair nominee Chris Waller as "great" and "fantastic," confirming he will announce his selection for the role within weeks. Waller, who has expressed crypto-friendly views, is among three or four candidates on the shortlist. According to prediction platform Polymarket, Waller currently has a 14% chance of selection, trailing crypto-supportive White House adviser Kevin Hassett (53%) and former Fed governor Kevin Warsh (28%). The crypto industry is closely monitoring the appointment due to the Fed's influence on interest rates, which significantly impact digital asset markets. Lower rates often drive investors toward higher-risk investments like cryptocurrencies.

United States President Donald Trump offered positive remarks about pro-crypto Fed chair nominee Chris Waller at a recent press conference, as speculation continues over his final choice.

“I think he’s great. I mean, he’s been a man who’s been there a long time. Somebody that I was very involved with and sense of his career, and he’s a fantastic man,” Trump said during a press conference on Thursday.

Waller has recently been perceived as relatively supportive of crypto, saying in an August speech at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium 2025 that there is “nothing to be afraid of” about crypto payments operating outside the traditional banking system.

Trump says everyone on the shortlist “would be a good choice”

Waller currently has a 14% chance of being selected, according to crypto prediction platform Polymarket, making him the third most likely pick. Crypto-friendly White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett leads at 53%, followed by former Fed governor Kevin Warsh with 28% odds.

US President Donald Trump expects to make the Fed chair announcement in the next few weeks. Source: YouTube

Trump said that the list has been narrowed to three or four candidates. “I think every one of them would be a good choice, honestly,” he said.

When asked whether Fed governor Michelle Bowman was also on the shortlist, Trump did not directly answer the question, but described her as a “fantastic person.” Polymarket currently puts Bowman’s odds at 2%.

Trump said that he expects to make the announcement over the “next couple of weeks.” “I don’t know before the end of the year, but pretty soon,” Trump said.

Crypto industry has been keeping a close eye on Fed chair developments

The crypto industry has been paying close attention to developments surrounding Trump’s Fed chair nominee, with the discussion ramping up in recent months as the Fed’s role in monetary policy is often seen as affecting broader crypto market conditions.

Related: Global debt markets show dollar dominance moves in cycles, US Fed says

Interest rates, which are set by the Federal Reserve, are widely viewed as having a significant impact on the crypto market.

When rates are lowered, investors tend to seek higher-risk assets such as cryptocurrencies, as traditional investments like bonds and term deposits become less attractive.

Magazine: Big questions: Would Bitcoin survive a 10-year power outage?

Domande pertinenti

QWhat did President Trump say about Chris Waller at the press conference?

APresident Trump said, 'I think he’s great. I mean, he’s been a man who’s been there a long time. Somebody that I was very involved with and sense of his career, and he’s a fantastic man.'

QAccording to the crypto prediction platform Polymarket, what are the odds for the top three Fed chair candidates?

AAccording to Polymarket, crypto-friendly White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett leads at 53%, followed by former Fed governor Kevin Warsh with 28% odds, and Chris Waller is third with a 14% chance.

QWhat is Chris Waller's stance on cryptocurrency, as mentioned in the article?

AChris Waller is perceived as relatively supportive of crypto. In a speech, he stated there is 'nothing to be afraid of' about crypto payments operating outside the traditional banking system.

QWhen does President Trump expect to announce his choice for Fed chair?

APresident Trump said he expects to make the announcement in the 'next couple of weeks' and that it would be 'pretty soon,' though he was unsure if it would be before the end of the year.

QWhy is the crypto industry paying close attention to the Fed chair nomination?

AThe crypto industry is paying attention because the Fed’s role in monetary policy, particularly in setting interest rates, is widely viewed as having a significant impact on broader crypto market conditions.

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