▲ New Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh delivers a speech during his swearing-in ceremony at the White House in Washington on May 22, 2026, in this photo released by Reuters. (Yonhap)
▲ U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the swearing-in of Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve at the White House in Washington on May 22, 2026, in this photo released by the Associated Press. (Yonhap)
▲ Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas (R) swears in new Chairman of the Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh at the White House in Washington on May 22, 2026, in this photo released by AFP. (Yonhap)

new Fed chair-swearing in

Warsh sworn in as Fed chair; Trump says he wants him to be 'totally independent'

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, May 22 (Yonhap) -- Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the new Federal Reserve chair on Friday, vowing to lead a "reform-oriented" central bank, as U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants Warsh to be "totally independent" in his leadership role.

Trump hosted the swearing-in ceremony at the White House, capping a period of tension marked by his repeated attacks on Warsh's predecessor, Jerome Powell, for not lowering interest rates.

"It's the honor of a lifetime to be called back into public service, and with this oath, I've accepted a high and solemn responsibility," he said after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas performed the swearing-in.

He underscored his commitment to focusing on the central bank's dual mandate to promote price stability and maximum employment.

"When we pursue those aims with wisdom and clarity, independence and resolve, inflation can be lower, growth stronger, real take-home pay higher and America can be more prosperous and no less important, America's place in the world more secure," he said.

"To fulfill this mission, I will lead a reform-oriented Federal Reserve, learning from past successes and mistakes, both escaping static frameworks and models and upholding clear standards of integrity and performance."

Trump said Warsh will restore confidence in the central bank, stressing that he wants the new chair to be independent.

"I want Kevin to be totally independent. I want him to be independent and just do a great job," he said.

"Don't look at me, don't look at anybody, just do your own thing and do a great job," he added.

Warsh is to serve as the Fed chair for a four-year term and concurrently serve as a Fed governor for a 14-year term.

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