White House National Economic Council Director Hassett said on Monday that it would be “irresponsible” for the Federal Reserve to announce the interest rate path for the next six months in advance. He stressed that monetary policy should be adjusted flexibly based on strict economic data. “The Federal Reserve Chairman's job is to keep an eye on the data, make timely adjustments, and explain why specific actions are being taken,” Hassett said. “It is really irresponsible to say 'I want to do this in the next six months'.” As a popular candidate to succeed current Chairman Powell, Hassett was asked how many more interest rate cuts are expected in 2026. He avoided specific predictions: “I don't want to disappoint people in speculating on the number of interest rate cuts, but I can say that the key is to look at the data.” Hassett praised Powell for effectively coordinating the FOMC's internal opinions before this meeting: “I think he did a good job in 'managing a house of cats' and successfully forged a consensus to cut interest rates. I'm sure Powell agreed with me — we should probably keep lowering interest rates.”

White House National Economic Council Director Hassett said on Monday that it would be “irresponsible” for the Federal Reserve to announce the interest rate path for the next six months in advance. He stressed that monetary policy should be adjusted flexibly based on strict economic data. “The Federal Reserve Chairman's job is to keep an eye on the data, make timely adjustments, and explain why specific actions are being taken,” Hassett said. “It is really irresponsible to say 'I want to do this in the next six months'.” As a popular candidate to succeed current Chairman Powell, Hassett was asked how many more interest rate cuts are expected in 2026. He avoided specific predictions: “I don't want to disappoint people in speculating on the number of interest rate cuts, but I can say that the key is to look at the data.” Hassett praised Powell for effectively coordinating the FOMC's internal opinions before this meeting: “I think he did a good job in 'managing a house of cats' and successfully forged a consensus to cut interest rates. I'm sure Powell agreed with me — we should probably keep lowering interest rates.”