During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Kevin Warsh, Donald Trump's nominee for the US Federal Reserve chair, asserted his commitment to maintaining the independence of the central bank. Warsh, a former Fed governor, faced scrutiny over his past and potential alignment with Trump's push for lower interest rates. He firmly stated, "I would absolutely not be Trump's puppet," countering accusations of political influence. The hearing is critical as it comes amid Trump's criticism of the Fed for not cutting rates aggressively, particularly in light of rising inflation since the COVID-19 pandemic. Warsh acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation, warning that it becomes increasingly difficult to manage once established. The confirmation process may be complicated by investigations into current Fed officials, with some committee members calling for delays. Warsh's previous hawkish stance on interest rates contrasts with his current views, which suggest a potential shift in his approach to monetary policy.