Fed Chair Nominee Warsh Clears Senate Paperwork Hurdle

Warsh's nomination to succeed Powell faces potential delays due to DOJ investigation.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:36am

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An extreme close-up of the complex, industrial mechanisms of a Federal Reserve vault, conveying the weighty financial security and institutional power of the central banking system.The Federal Reserve's financial machinery and institutional power remain central to the nation's economic stability, even as leadership transitions loom.Washington Today

Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh has submitted required paperwork to the U.S. Senate, putting him one step closer to a confirmation hearing and eventual installation as Jerome Powell's successor, according to a CNBC report citing two sources familiar with the matter. However, a key Republican lawmaker has vowed to block Warsh's confirmation until the conclusion of a Department of Justice investigation into Powell's oversight of renovations to the Fed's headquarters.

Why it matters

Warsh's nomination to lead the Federal Reserve comes at a critical time, as the central bank navigates high inflation, rising interest rates, and potential economic headwinds. The confirmation process could be complicated by the ongoing DOJ investigation into Powell, which has the potential to delay or derail Warsh's path to the top Fed job.

The details

Warsh has submitted the necessary financial disclosures to the Senate, a key step before a confirmation hearing can be scheduled. However, the Senate Banking Committee typically requires a nominee's full paperwork to be filed before setting a hearing date. Additionally, a Republican senator has vowed to block Warsh's confirmation until the DOJ investigation into Powell is resolved, creating a potential roadblock. While a federal judge previously quashed the DOJ's subpoenas, finding the probe to be an effort to pressure Powell, the department has said it will appeal that decision.

  • Warsh submitted required paperwork to the Senate on April 13, 2026.
  • Powell's tenure as Fed chair ends on May 15, 2026.

The players

Kevin Warsh

Federal Reserve chair nominee who has submitted paperwork to the U.S. Senate, putting him one step closer to a confirmation hearing and eventual installation as Jerome Powell's successor.

Jerome Powell

Current Federal Reserve chair whose tenure ends on May 15, 2026, and who has said he will continue to fill the role on a 'pro tem' basis if Warsh is not confirmed and in place by that time.

U.S. Senate

The legislative body that will hold a confirmation hearing and vote on Warsh's nomination to become the next Federal Reserve chair.

U.S. Department of Justice

Conducting an investigation into Powell's oversight of renovations to the Fed's headquarters in Washington, D.C., which has the potential to delay or derail Warsh's confirmation.

Republican Senator

A key Republican lawmaker who has vowed to block Warsh's confirmation until the conclusion of the Department of Justice investigation into Powell.

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What’s next

The Senate Banking Committee will need to schedule a confirmation hearing for Warsh once his full paperwork is filed. However, the timeline for this hearing and Warsh's eventual confirmation by the full Senate remains uncertain due to the ongoing DOJ investigation into Powell.

The takeaway

Warsh's nomination to lead the Federal Reserve faces potential delays and complications due to the unresolved DOJ investigation into current chair Jerome Powell. This political uncertainty could impact the central bank's ability to effectively navigate economic challenges in the months ahead.