In the White House conference room, Trump smiled at National Economic Council Chairman Kevin Hassett—a look that instantly sent shockwaves through the markets. The rumors about a change at the helm of the Federal Reserve appear to be more than mere speculation.

This time, Trump wasn’t being coy. The new Fed chair nominee will be announced in early 2026, and Hassett? He’s a top contender. While the former president is known for being unpredictable, this time he’s provided a clear timeline, signaling he means business.

The meeting got even more heated. Trump fired directly: JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is calling for rate cuts, but current Fed chair Powell is like a “stubborn bull,” slow to cut and soft in attitude, making it clear he doesn’t care for Trump as president. Months of pressure have finally come to the forefront—high interest rates are dragging down the economy, and Trump knows exactly who to blame. If he can install a more cooperative Fed chair, his plans to reshape monetary policy and stimulate growth could move forward unhindered.

The shortlist of candidates is already on the table: besides Hassett, there’s Fed Governor Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman, former Governor Kevin Warsh, and BlackRock’s Global Head of Fixed Income, Rick Rieder. Back in September, Trump listed Hassett, Warsh, and Waller as his top three picks, and even half-jokingly considered Treasury Secretary Bessent for the post, though she politely declined.

This personnel shakeup is far from just Washington’s internal affair. The Fed chair not only controls the direction of interest rates but also sets the pulse for the US and global economy for years to come. For the crypto market? Liquidity expectations, risk appetite, asset pricing logic—all need to be recalibrated. This leadership transition is one to watch closely.