**Hashett: Trump's Opinion "Carries No Weight," Fed's Decision-Making Independence Paramount**

BlockBeats News, December 15th, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that if he were chosen to lead the Federal Reserve, he would consider President Trump's policy views, but the Fed's interest rate decisions would remain independent.

“The president has a very strong and well-founded view about what we should do,” said Hassett, who serves as Trump's chief economic advisor in the White House, on Sunday last week on CBS's "Face the Nation" program.

“But ultimately, the Fed's job is to maintain its independence and work collectively with its Board of Governors, as well as its FOMC colleagues, to reach a consensus on the level of interest rates,” he added.

Hassett's statement last Sunday attempted to clarify that Trump is just one of many experts to consult, and ultimately, he can only offer advice. He refuted the notion that the President's voice would carry equal weight as the FOMC voters, stating that policymakers are free to disregard his views and “vote in a different way.” (Jinse)