David Zervos and other potential candidates for the Fed Chair – What to know

David Zervos among 11 contenders for the next Federal Reserve Chair.
President Donald Trump is weighing his options for the next Federal Reserve Chair, with 11 names reportedly under consideration. Among them is David Zervos, a seasoned economist and strategist known for his market insights. The decision comes at a critical time for U.S. monetary policy, as inflation, interest rates, and market stability remain top priorities.
Who is David Zervos?
David Zervos currently serves as the chief market strategist for Jefferies, where he has built a reputation for deep economic analysis and market forecasting. Known for blending academic knowledge with real-world financial strategies, Zervos has been a regular presence in economic discussions on Wall Street and in policy circles. His potential nomination has drawn attention for his unconventional but data-driven approach to economic challenges.
Trump’s Search for the Next Fed Chair
According to sources familiar with the process, Trump is looking for a candidate who aligns with his pro-growth economic agenda while also having the credibility to reassure global markets. The current chair’s term will soon expire, and the White House is keen on selecting someone who can navigate the delicate balance between inflation control and economic expansion.
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The 11 Potential Candidates for Federal Reserve Chair
In addition to David Zervos and Rick Rieder, the list of contenders reportedly includes a mix of financial market veterans, policy experts, and former government officials. While not all names have been officially confirmed, sources suggest the following individuals are under serious consideration:
- David Zervos – Jefferies Chief Market Strategist
- Rick Rieder – BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income
- Kevin Warsh – Former Fed Governor known for his hawkish monetary stance
- Judy Shelton – Economist and former Trump adviser with a gold-standard advocacy
- John Allison – Former BB&T CEO and libertarian economic thinker
- Larry Kudlow – Former National Economic Council Director under Trump
- Christopher Waller – Current Fed Governor with a dovish leaning on rates
- Randall Quarles – Former Fed Vice Chair for Supervision with regulatory expertise
- Robert Kaplan – Former Dallas Fed President with Wall Street background
- Mohamed El-Erian – Economist and former CEO of PIMCO with global economic insight
- Neel Kashkari – Minneapolis Fed President known for advocating stronger bank regulation
This diverse lineup reflects Trump’s interest in candidates who can blend market credibility with policy alignment. Some, like Kudlow and Shelton, are closely aligned with Trump’s economic philosophy, while others, like Waller and Kashkari, bring extensive central banking experience.
Why This Decision Matters for the Economy
The Federal Reserve Chair plays a critical role in shaping U.S. monetary policy, which directly impacts borrowing costs, consumer spending, and global markets. A shift in leadership could signal a new approach to interest rates, regulation, and inflation control. Investors, businesses, and international partners are watching closely to see whether Trump’s choice will lean toward aggressive growth policies or a more cautious, inflation-focused stance.
When Will the Announcement Happen?
While no official date has been given, sources indicate an announcement could come before the end of the year. This would allow the new chair to prepare ahead of the next policy cycle in early 2026. Until then, speculation will remain high, with each candidate’s track record and economic philosophy under intense scrutiny.