Trump has promoted Warsh, who has risen to the top of the shortlist for the next Federal Reserve Chairman.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, US President Trump said on Friday that Kevin Warsh has risen to the top of his shortlist for the next Federal Reserve Chairman, although other candidates remain in contention. Warsh, who was previously considered a candidate on Trump's shortlist but not the frontrunner (he himself served as a Fed governor), apparently gained further favor after meeting with Trump on Wednesday. "Yes, I think he is," Trump told the media in an interview released Friday afternoon when asked if Warsh was in first place. Regarding Kevin Hasset, the director of the National Economic Council, who was widely predicted to be a frontrunner by the market, Trump said, "I think both Kevins are great." "I think there are several other very good candidates," he added. Hasset had previously become the leading candidate. In public, when asked about the possibility of taking the position, he has been cautious, only stating that he would accept if invited. Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said on CNBC on Thursday that she is concerned Trump will appoint a "puppet" as Federal Reserve chair to carry out his wishes. In addition to emphasizing the possibility of Warsh getting the position, Trump reiterated his past stance that the Fed chair should consult the president on interest rate decisions. This move would overturn the Fed's tradition of maintaining independence.