Hassett: Criticizes Fed officials for supporting interest rate hikes and questions Fed independence

White House National Economic Council Director Hassett criticized Federal Reserve officials who support interest rate hikes, questioning tightening policy when core inflation is close to 2%, and stating that Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Walsh is managing a highly politicized Fed, believing that restoring Fed independence is an important task. He also criticized former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Barr for remaining in the Fed after leaving their leadership positions.