U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2nd (local time) introduced White House National Economic Council (NEC) Chairman Kevin Hassett as a leading candidate to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve, the U.S. central bank.

While introducing attendees at an event at the White House announcing a large donation by Michael Dell, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of U.S. computer manufacturer Dell Technologies, and his wife, President Trump pointed to Chairman Hassett and said, "A potential Fed chair is here, too."

He added, "I don't know if I should say that, but 'potential.' What I can say is that he is a respected person. Thank you, Kevin."

Recently, U.S. media including Bloomberg reported that Chairman Hassett is a strong contender to be the next Fed chair, and President Trump's remark appears to somewhat confirm that. Sources said Hassett is viewed as someone who could bring about the Fed's benchmark interest-rate cuts that the president wants.

Two days earlier, on the 30th of last month, Chairman Hassett said in a Fox News interview, "If President Trump nominates me, I would be willing to serve."

President Trump has openly criticized current Fed Chair Jerome Powell for consistently being reluctant to deliver the rate cuts he wants. Powell's term ends in May next year, and President Trump is moving forward with selecting his successor.

At a Cabinet meeting at the White House that day, President Trump also said, "I will probably announce someone as the new Fed chair early next year." Pointing to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been in charge of interviewing candidates for the next Fed chair, Trump joked, "I told Scott to take the job, but he doesn't want it."