Warsh defends Fed independence as confirmation hearing unfolds amid scrutiny

Kevin Warsh’s Senate confirmation hearing framed a debate over Fed independence: he pledged he would not be a Trump puppet, signaled support for regime-change to rein in inflation, and argued for transparent, deliberative policymaking while pushing back against premature rate guidance and press-conference norms. Democrats pressed on his 2007-08 crisis role, wealth disclosures and potential conflicts, including crypto holdings and Epstein ties, and Republicans highlighted his independence. The path to a final vote remains uncertain, complicated by a DOJ investigation into Powell and a potential hold‑up from Sen. Tillis, with a vote possibly looming in May.