Trump’s Pick To Lead US Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh Says He Won’t Be US President’s ‘Sock Puppet’

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 22:09 IST

At a tense Senate hearing, Kevin Warsh rejected claims he would be Donald Trump’s “sock puppet”, vowing to protect the Federal Reserve’s independence.

Kevin Warsh, US President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Reserve, on Tuesday vowed to protect the central bank’s independence and said he would not be the US President’s “sock puppet" if confirmed.

The remark came during a tense confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, after Democratic Senator John Kennedy referenced comments by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who had earlier warned Warsh could act as a “sock puppet" for Trump.

“What is a sock puppet?" Kennedy asked.

“I think it’s a thing you stick your hand in. Like this?" Warsh replied, mimicking a puppet.

“Are you going to be the US President’s human sock puppet?" Kennedy pressed.

“Absolutely not," Warsh said. “I’m honoured the US President nominated me, but I will be an independent actor if confirmed as Chairman of the Federal Reserve."

In his opening remarks, Warsh stressed that monetary policy must remain strictly independent and reiterated his commitment to tackling inflation.

His nomination comes at a politically charged moment. Warsh is expected to succeed current Fed Chair Jerome Powell when his term ends on May 15, even as Trump has intensified criticism of the central bank for not cutting interest rates more aggressively.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump told CNBC he would be disappointed if the next Fed chair did not move quickly to lower rates, adding, “We should have the lowest interest rate in the world." He also renewed criticism of Powell over renovation costs at the Fed’s headquarters.

The hearing has unfolded amid mounting political friction. All 11 Democrats on the Banking Committee last week called for a delay in Warsh’s confirmation until separate investigations into Powell and Fed governor Lisa Cook are completed.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis has also said he would block all Federal Reserve nominees, including Warsh, until a Justice Department probe involving Powell is resolved.

News world Trump’s Pick To Lead US Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh Says He Won’t Be US President’s ‘Sock Puppet’

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