White House Eyes Greater Control Over Federal Reserve Amid Market Moves

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled Wednesday that the White House intends to press for a rule requiring Federal Reserve regional bank presidents to have lived in their districts for at least three years before taking office. The proposal, aimed at reinforcing local representation within the Fed, could also give the administration more sway over the independent central bank.

Speaking at the New York financial summit, Bessent noted, “No one understands the Fed’s balance sheet function. Unless someone has lived in their district for three years, we’re going to veto them.” His remarks come amid mounting tensions as several regional Fed presidents opposed an interest rate cut at the upcoming December meeting—a move that President Trump has publicly criticized, citing its impact on mortgages, auto loans, and credit card borrowing costs.

The proposed residency requirement represents an effort to realign the Federal Reserve with its original intent of reflecting local economic conditions in monetary policy decisions. Currently, the Fed’s complex structure includes a seven-member board of governors in Washington and 12 regional banks covering distinct U.S. districts. While all 12 regional presidents participate in interest-rate discussions, only a rotating subset votes alongside the seven governors and the New York Fed president.

Bessent explained that some regional presidents were appointed from outside their districts, including several residing in New York, which he argued undermines the goal of district representation. “The point of having regional Fed banks was to represent the districts,” he said. “When leaders come from outside their districts, it undermines that goal.”

The announcement comes at a time of heightened market sensitivity to U.S. monetary policy. The U.S. Dollar showed mixed performance against major currencies, with gains against the Canadian Dollar but losses against the Euro, Pound, and Australian Dollar.

EUR/USD preserved its bullish momentum above 1.1650 after mixed U.S. data showed private sector employment contracted in November but continued expansion in the services sector.

GBP/USD pushed past 1.3300, hitting three-week highs as expectations of a more dovish Fed stance put pressure on the Dollar.

Gold (XAU/USD) hovered above $4,200, retreating slightly from session highs amid optimism in equity markets.

AUD/USD and USD/CAD mirrored broader currency trends, reflecting investor positioning ahead of potential Fed policy changes.


Bessent’s comments underscore the ongoing dialogue between the White House and the Fed, highlighting how political pressures can intersect with monetary policy at a time when global investors are closely monitoring currency and commodity movements. As the administration moves to assert influence over regional bank appointments, market participants will be watching for signs of a policy shift that could affect U.S. interest rates and global financial markets.