Trump Taps Pro-Bitcoin Kevin Warsh to Lead Federal Reserve

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh to serve as the next chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, ending weeks of speculation about who would lead the central bank.

The decision, announced Friday, immediately drew attention from both traditional financial markets and the crypto sector. Warsh is widely known for his firm stance on inflation, while maintaining a notably measured and at times open view of Bitcoin.

Key Points

• Kevin Warsh served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011.
• At 35, he became the youngest Fed governor in history.
• Warsh is widely regarded as a monetary policy hawk, focused on controlling inflation.
• He has publicly stated that Bitcoin does not threaten Fed policy and views it as a generational alternative to gold.
• Warsh is a partner at Duquesne Family Office and a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution.
• Senate confirmation is required before he can succeed Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May.

Nomination Announcement

Trump revealed his choice in a post on Truth Social, citing Warsh’s extensive background in finance, monetary policy, and public service. He suggested that Warsh has the potential to become one of the most influential leaders in the Federal Reserve’s history.

The announcement followed a dramatic shift in market expectations. Late Thursday, prediction markets began signaling a near-certain outcome. On Polymarket, Warsh’s implied odds surged to roughly 95 percent from about 39 percent earlier in the day. Kalshi showed a similar jump after Trump said he would publicly announce his decision on Friday morning.

With the nomination now official, attention turns to the Senate confirmation process. If confirmed, Warsh would succeed current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May.

Warsh’s Experience Inside and Outside the Fed

Warsh brings deep institutional experience to the role. He served on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors from 2006 to 2011, spanning both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama administrations. At just 35 years old, he became the youngest Fed governor in history.

His influence extended beyond Washington. Warsh represented the Federal Reserve at G-20 meetings and later oversaw key internal operations, placing him at the center of the institution’s decision-making during a turbulent period for global finance.

Since leaving the Fed, Warsh has remained active in both policy and markets. He is a visiting fellow in economics at the Hoover Institution and lectures at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In addition, he is a partner at Duquesne Family Office, working alongside prominent investor Stanley Druckenmiller.

Bitcoin Views Draw Crypto Market Attention

While Warsh’s résumé alone would command attention, his views on Bitcoin have added a distinct dimension to market reaction.

Crypto investors have closely followed his public comments. At a Hoover Institution event last July, Warsh said Bitcoin does not threaten the Federal Reserve’s ability to conduct monetary policy. Instead, he described it as a signal, one that can reflect whether policymakers are making sound decisions.

Warsh has also likened Bitcoin’s rise to a generational shift away from gold, noting that younger investors increasingly see it as a modern alternative store of value.

His interest is not purely theoretical. Warsh has indirect ties to the crypto industry, including early involvement with the algorithmic stablecoin project Basis and an advisory role with crypto index manager Bitwise.

Inflation Hawk With a Clear Reputation

Despite these crypto-friendly remarks, Warsh’s broader reputation remains unchanged. He is widely viewed as a monetary policy hawk, known for consistently warning about inflation risks, even during periods of economic stress.

That stance has not gone unnoticed by economists. Bloomberg Chief U.S. Economist Anna Wong recently summarized it bluntly, noting that those hoping for a lenient approach to inflation are unlikely to find it in Warsh.

What Comes Next

Warsh’s nomination concludes a competitive selection process that reportedly included Fed Governor Christopher Waller, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder. With the choice now made, the focus shifts fully to Senate confirmation.

For markets, the nomination offers both familiarity and uncertainty. Warsh brings deep institutional knowledge and a firm anti-inflation track record. Meanwhile, his openness toward Bitcoin sets him apart from previous Fed leaders. If confirmed, how those views translate into policy will be closely watched.