Senate Democrats Press Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to Disclose Calls With Trump

Four Democratic senators — Chris Van Hollen, Jack Reed, Angela Alsobrooks, and Elizabeth Warren — sent a letter on August 19, 2026 pressing Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh to publicly disclose any conversations he has had with President Trump since taking over the central bank in May 2026, writing that 'it is critical that the Fed be transparent about these discussions to demonstrate its independence from the White House.' The letter followed reporting that Trump has periodically called Warsh despite his official calendars showing no such contacts; White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said earlier in August that Trump does not pressure Warsh on rate decisions, while Trump said he had spoken with Warsh only once, briefly. The episode contrasts with predecessor Jerome Powell, who logged and disclosed his calls and meetings with Trump to the minute.