Trump ‘certainly’ can fire Fed chair Powell ‘if there’s cause’: Hassett

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the Trump administration is reviewing whether it has the authority to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell before his term ends next spring. While Trump has said he doesn’t want to remove Powell, Hassett’s remarks suggest the White House is exploring the option, citing questions about the Fed’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation. Budget Director Russell Vought has accused Powell of mismanagement and demanded answers, hinting at a possible justification for dismissal, CNBC has reported. Meanwhile, names floated as potential replacements include Hassett himself and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh.