Hassett: Trump's opinions carry no weight; the Fed's decision-making independence is paramount.

Odaily Planet Daily reports that White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett stated that if he is selected to lead the Federal Reserve, he will consider President Trump's policy recommendations, but the Fed's interest rate decisions will remain independent.

Kevin Hassett stated on CBS's "Face the Nation" last Sunday that the president has a very strong and well-founded view on the Federal Reserve's actions. However, he added that the Fed's responsibility is to maintain its independence and work with its Board members and FOMC colleagues to reach a collective consensus on interest rate levels.

Kevin Hassett was responding to a question about comments Trump made last Friday, in which Trump stated he should be able to advise on the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve. For months, Trump and his senior advisors have been pressuring Federal Reserve Chairman Powell to cut interest rates while also weighing potential successors.