The prospects for quick Senate confirmation of Federal Reserve Chairman nominee Kevin Warsh were as bleak as the weather in Washington on Thursday, as he met with more senators to improve his chances.
“Today doesn’t seem like a very good day,” Warsh quipped to a CNBC reporter in the Hart Senate Building on his way to a meeting with Sen. Mike Rounds (R.S.D.) as heavy rain poured down outside.
When asked how the meeting was going, Warsh said: “Things are going well. I’m glad to see you.”
Warsh’s nomination by President Donald Trump has stalled due to an effective blockade by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-North Carolina, who serves on the Banking Committee. The committee is the first hurdle for potential Fed director candidates like Mr. Warsh.
Mr. Tillis has vowed to vote against sending Mr. Warsh’s nomination, or any other Fed nominee, to the full Senate for a confirmation vote as long as the criminal investigation into Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is ongoing.
Powell said the Justice Department’s criminal investigation was the result of him and other Fed officials refusing to cut interest rates as quickly and as deeply as President Trump had demanded.
Mr. Tillis’ stance could prevent Mr. Warsh from getting a Senate vote to confirm him as central bank president until his term expires in January.
Former Federal Reserve Board member Kevin Warsh heads to lunch during the Allen & Company Media & Technology Conference on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 in Sun Valley, Idaho, USA.
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images
