President Donald Trump said on August 10, 2026, that he had a brief conversation just one time recently with Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh. He denied reports that they have had frequent or repeated talks since Warsh took office in May 2026, saying, "I’ve only spoken to him one time briefly a few days ago, just a conversation. They made it sound like I live and breathe, you know, I speak to Kevin all the time, every time" [1, 2, 3].

This conflicts with reports from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, which have cited multiple conversations between Trump and Warsh since Warsh’s confirmation as Fed Chair in May 2026 [1, 2, 3]. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Trump and Warsh discuss the economy "all the time," though some officials describe the calls as infrequent and irregular. Hassett called Warsh "as independent as can be" and downplayed concerns about political interference in Fed policy [2, 3]. Hassett also said, "If I were a Fed policymaker, I'd hold rates steady or lower them" [3].

Trump has expressed a desire for the Fed to lower interest rates but acknowledged Warsh and the Fed board make those decisions. The federal funds rate target at late July stood between 3.5% and 3.75% [1, 2, 3]. Trump has also revived efforts to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage fraud allegations, pressing for a response from the Fed [1, 3].

Warsh signed an ethics certification on August 6 confirming he disposed of all financial assets to prevent conflicts of interest upon taking office in May. Those assets are valued at least $100 million. Details remain confidential under nondisclosure agreements, placing Warsh among the wealthiest Fed officials [3].

Meanwhile, calls between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Warsh continue regularly, a practice observed in Warsh’s June calendar [1, 3].

Trump’s confirmation of only one recent call with Warsh stands as the most concrete public statement amid differing accounts about the frequency of their communications. Warsh’s ethics certification on August 6 marks a key compliance step in his early tenure as Fed Chair.