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Trump advisor blames Powell for high mortgage rates and economic struggles

Feb 2, 2026, 11:44 AM30
(Update: Feb 5, 2026, 6:07 PM)
American economist
American banker
president of the United States from 2017 to 2021
President of the United States since 2021

Trump advisor blames Powell for high mortgage rates and economic struggles

  • Kevin Hassett criticized Jerome Powell for allowing interest rates to rise dramatically, affecting mortgage rates and rents.
  • There is ongoing political friction regarding Powell's leadership and a Department of Justice investigation into his congressional testimony.
  • The nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair could change the Fed's monetary policy direction and restore stability.
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In recent statements, Kevin Hassett, a former economic advisor to Donald Trump, outlined the detrimental effects of high mortgage rates and rents on American citizens, attributing the crisis to decisions made by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell under President Joe Biden's administration. Hassett emphasized that the soaring interest rates pose significant affordability challenges for many Americans. He argued that the Federal Reserve must prioritize maintaining low interest rates and reducing unemployment while also managing its balance sheet more effectively, particularly in light of ongoing political scrutiny around Powell’s leadership and the related investigation by the Department of Justice. The controversy surrounding Powell intensified as inquiries regarding his testimony to Congress emerged, focusing on alleged inaccuracies regarding the Federal Reserve's renovation costs. These renovations have exceeded their projected budget, raising questions about fiscal responsibility at the Federal Reserve. Lawmakers, including Republican Senator Thom Tillis, have threatened to block the confirmation of any new Federal Reserve nominees until the investigation is thoroughly resolved. This situation reflects a significant political friction between the current administration and Trump, highlighting broader concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and its leaders. With the potential nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new chair of the Federal Reserve, supporters assert that he is well-qualified to restore monetary stability. The expectations placed upon Warsh are substantial, as he is seen as a candidate who could fundamentally alter the Fed's direction. His critics, however, express concern regarding the implications of Warsh's ties to Trump and whether he would prioritize political interests over the Fed's traditional independence. As the Federal Reserve has seen its balance sheet grow dramatically, from $1 trillion to over $8 trillion in mere decades, Warsh's appointment could herald a significant shift in the Fed's approach to managing economic challenges, particularly inflation. The need for a strong reaction to current economic conditions is pressing, as increasing prices threaten the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency. Success in this role could position Warsh as one of the most influential Fed chairpersons in history, contingent on his ability to maintain price stability while managing the challenges presented by an interconnected global economy.

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