Hassett: Warsh Not Seeking White House Rate Advice
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- Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, said Monday that Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is "not asking the White House for advice" on interest rate decisions
- Hassett made the comments on CNBC's "Squawk Box" in an appearance with host Joe Kernen, framing the relationship as collegial rather than directive
- Hassett described himself and Warsh as "very close friends" who have known each other for 30 years, telling Kernen "we definitely talk"
- The remarks drew a deliberate line between informal personal communication and formal policy guidance, with Hassett emphasizing that Warsh is not seeking White House input on monetary policy
Why it matters: Hassett's framing draws a public boundary between Fed independence and White House influence at a moment when the line between the two is closely watched by markets, borrowers, and political opponents. By stressing a 30-year friendship while insisting Warsh makes his own calls, the NEC chief is signaling the administration won't be seen as steering the central bank — a posture that affects rate-path expectations and the political credibility of upcoming Fed decisions.
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