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[Kevin Hassett: Will Maintain Decision Independence if Leading the Federal Reserve] White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that if chosen to lead the Federal Reserve, he would consider U.S. President Trump's policy opinions, but the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions would remain independent. Kevin Hassett pointed out that President Trump has strong views on the Federal Reserve's actions, but the Federal Reserve's responsibility is to maintain independence and achieve consensus. Previously, President Trump expressed that he should be able to make suggestions on interest rates and has been pressuring Federal Reserve Chairman Powell to cut rates for months.