Steve Bannon, a longtime strategist with deep ties to conservative economic thinking, put forward a provocative suggestion during a recent podcast appearance. He argued for Scott Bessent, the current Treasury Secretary, to temporarily oversee both the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. This comes at a time when the administration seeks major shifts in monetary policy.
“I am a big believer that on an interim basis, that Scott Bessent should be both the head of the Federal Reserve and the secretary of Treasury, and maybe get through the midterm elections, step down at Treasury and take over the Federal Reserve,” Bannon said in the interview with Sean Spicer, set to air on YouTube.
Bannon’s proposal arrives amid ongoing frustration with the Fed’s handling of interest rates. President Trump has repeatedly voiced concerns over the central bank’s reluctance to cut rates more decisively, a stance that aligns with broader calls for policies favoring economic expansion. By placing Bessent in charge of both institutions, even briefly, the move could foster tighter coordination between fiscal and monetary strategies, potentially accelerating efforts to curb inflation while boosting growth.
Bessent himself has advocated for Fed reforms, writing in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that “The Fed must change course. Its standard tool kit has become too complex to manage, with uncertain theoretical underpinnings.”
This critique points to the need for simplifying the Fed’s operations, including shrinking its $6 trillion balance sheet of Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities without market upheaval.
Bessent’s credentials make him a fitting candidate for such a role. A veteran hedge fund manager, he gained prominence in 1992 by contributing to George Soros’ fund’s billion-dollar profit from betting against the British pound. Later, he founded his own firm, Key Square Group, and served as an economic advisor and major donor to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
As Treasury Secretary since early 2025, Bessent has emphasized pro-growth measures and efficient regulation. In a speech to the Economic Club, he noted the importance of a “strong, yet efficient regulatory framework” to mitigate financial risks. He has also warned against economic disruptions, describing scenarios like a “sudden stop” as “cataclysmic” and equivalent to “the largest tax hike in history.”
Historically, the idea of overlapping leadership between Treasury and the Fed isn’t entirely without foundation. Before the Banking Act of 1935, the Treasury Secretary served as an ex-officio member of the Fed’s Board of Governors. More recently, Janet Yellen held both positions, though separated by several years. Bannon’s interim approach could bridge that gap, allowing Bessent to guide the Fed through a transitional period while maintaining stability at Treasury until after the midterms.
Currently, Bessent leads the search for Jerome Powell’s successor, whose term ends in May 2026. He has met with potential candidates like former Fed governors Kevin Warsh and Lawrence Lindsey, as well as ex-St. Louis Fed President James Bullard. The process involves reviewing a list of 11 economists, aiming to add fresh names to those already floated by Trump, such as National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and Fed Governor Christopher Waller. Bessent had been considered for the Fed chair role himself but expressed satisfaction with his Treasury position.
The White House, however, has distanced itself from Bannon’s idea. A spokesman stated, “Such an arrangement is not being and has never been considered by the White House.”
Despite this, the suggestion taps into ongoing debates about the Fed’s independence and its alignment with administration priorities. With markets anticipating a rate cut soon, Bessent’s dual oversight might offer a path to more responsive economic management, reflecting calls for a Fed focused strictly on core mandates like low unemployment and stable prices.
As discussions evolve, Bessent’s track record of navigating complex markets and advocating restrained central banking positions him as a central figure in reshaping U.S. economic policy.
