White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has emerged as a leading contender to succeed Jerome Powell as chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter. Sources told the newspaper that Hassett, who heads the National Economic Council, met with President Donald Trump at least twice in June to discuss the post. The conversations mark a shift for Hassett, who had previously indicated he was not interested but now says he would accept the appointment if offered. Hassett’s rise complicates the prospects of other candidates reportedly under consideration, including former Fed governor Kevin Warsh—long viewed as an early favorite—current Governor Christopher Waller and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Powell’s four-year term ends in May 2026, and Trump, a frequent critic of the incumbent, has signaled he may name a successor well before then.