Kevin Warsh’s confirmation as Federal Reserve chairman drew split reactions from lawmakers over inflation, affordability, and central bank independence. The Senate confirmed him in a 54-45 vote, with only one Democrat voting in favor.
Kevin Warsh was confirmed as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors on May 13, drawing sharply different responses from lawmakers over inflation, affordability, and central bank independence. The divided Senate vote underscored broader disagreements over monetary policy and the Fed’s role. House Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR) praised Warsh’s experience and policy focus, while Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) raised concerns about political pressure on the central bank.
Final approval followed a two-step Senate process across two days. Warsh won confirmation as Fed chair in a 54-45 vote on May 13. The vote was almost entirely along party lines, with John Fetterman (D-PA) as the only Democrat voting in favor. Senators confirmed Warsh for a full 14-year term on the Board of Governors in a 51-45 vote on May 12. Hill remarked:
“I want to congratulate Kevin Warsh on his confirmation as the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve.”
Warsh will succeed Jerome Powell, whose term as chair ends on May 15. Powell has indicated he plans to remain on the Fed’s Board of Governors until his separate governor term expires in January 2028. The confirmation process advanced after a federal investigation tied to Powell was closed in April. Earlier in the year, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) threatened to block consideration of Warsh’s nomination during the dispute.
