Trump Signals Powell’s Resignation Amid Speculation Over Successor

Key Points:

  • Speculation grows over Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s potential resignation.
  • President Trump criticized Powell publicly, heightening market tensions.
  • Cryptocurrency markets anticipate volatility following leadership change.

On October 28, President Trump criticized Fed Chairman Jerome Powell as either incompetent or a bad actor, suggesting he may resign within months, according to Xinhua News Agency.

This potential leadership change at the Federal Reserve is crucial, as it influences U.S. interest rates and impacts cryptocurrency market volatility like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

Trump’s Critique and Market Ripple Effects

President Trump has narrowed the list of candidates for Federal Reserve Chair to replace Jerome Powell, amidst intense speculation over Powell’s resignation. The shortlist includes notable figures like Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman, and Kevin Warsh. Trump publicly criticized Powell for either incompetence or malfeasance, adding urgency to the leadership decision process ensured by Treasury Secretary Scott Besant.

Powell’s potential departure affects U.S. interest rates, thereby influencing cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Distinct shifts in asset pricing and market sentiment are expected, as financial markets anticipate potential volatility from changes in Federal Reserve leadership and policies. “BlackRock’s allocation to Bitcoin has grown as our clients demand exposure to digital assets.”

No official confirmation has been made by Powell or Trump on social media. Still, exchanges like KuCoin and Binance suggested a candidacy list, while Bowman has publicly acknowledged the vital role digital currencies will play in a modern central bank’s approach.

Analysis of Fed Transitions and Cryptocurrency Prospects

Did you know? Previously, transitions from Fed Chairs have led to heightened asset instability, with major impacts on financial markets, echoing back to the shifts between leaders like Yellen and Powell.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin (BTC) is valued at $114,440.91, with a market cap of $2.28 trillion and dominates 59.08% of the crypto market. The 24-hour trading volume has dropped by 15.75%, and BTC shows a slight weekly increase of 5.40%.

bitcoin-daily-chart-3991

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 11:48 UTC on October 28, 2025. Source: CoinMarketCap

Coincu research indicates potential long-term regulatory shifts and technological integration in central banking systems as new leadership approaches crypto-friendly policies. Experts anticipate more explicit guidelines, encouraging a responsible yet progressive adoption of digital currencies and blockchain technology within the Federal Reserve’s strategy. Michelle Bowman, Fed Vice Chair, Federal Reserve, remarked, “I believe Fed staff must actively engage with the opportunities and risks presented by digital currencies and blockchains.”

Source: https://coincu.com/markets/trump-powell-fed-leadership-resignation/