White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has emerged as a leading contender to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell when his term ends in May, but his candidacy is drawing mixed reactions within the Trump administration, according to POLITICO.

Hassett, who currently leads the National Economic Council, is viewed by supporters as a respected economist and effective public advocate for President Donald Trump’s agenda. Critics, however, argue that his tenure at the NEC has been defined more by messaging than by hands-on policy coordination, raising questions about whether he has the leadership profile required to run the U.S. central bank at a pivotal moment for the economy.

Several administration officials told POLITICO that Hassett has played a limited role in driving major initiatives such as trade policy and deregulation, functioning more as an adviser on economic impacts than as a coordinator across agencies. One official characterised his role during the rollout of Trump’s sweeping new tariff regime earlier this year as largely peripheral.

The debate comes as Trump weighs his most consequential economic appointment. The president has repeatedly criticised Powell for failing to cut interest rates aggressively, fuelling concern among investors about the potential politicisation of the Fed under new leadership. Trump has told the Wall Street Journal he is leaning toward either Hassett or former Fed governor Kevin Warsh.

Hassett’s defenders counter that his academic background and policy expertise make him well suited to the role. Several cabinet secretaries credited him with shaping key initiatives, including tax reform, fuel-economy changes and sector-specific deregulation. Allies also argue that his low-profile style reflects a White House where Trump personally drives many policy decisions.

Hassett has said his previous experience as a Federal Reserve economist would allow him to move quickly if appointed, and has pointed to forecasting reform and greater transparency as priorities. Whether that mix of technocratic expertise and political alignment is sufficient to lead an independent central bank remains the central question facing the administration.