President Donald Trump stated that Kevin Warsh would not have been considered for Federal Reserve Chair if he had shown interest in raising interest rates. In an NBC News interview, Trump emphasized that Warsh understood the need to lower rates, aligning with Trump's view that current rates are too high. Trump's comments may influence Warsh's confirmation process, where Federal Reserve independence is expected to be a key issue. Meanwhile, Republican Senator Thom Tillis has pledged to block any Trump nominee until a Justice Department investigation into the Fed's headquarters renovation is resolved. Outgoing Chair Jerome Powell criticized the investigation as an attack on the Fed's policy independence.