The U.S. Senate has approved Kevin Warsh’s appointment to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, marking a key step in President Donald Trump’s plan to place him at the head of the U.S. central bank. The confirmation vote, which ended 51 to 45 in favor of Warsh, clears the way for a separate Senate vote on his nomination as Federal Reserve Chair.

Republican senators largely backed Warsh’s nomination, while most Democrats opposed it. However, Democratic Senator John Fetterman broke with his party and voted in favor of the former Fed governor. The result gives the administration a significant procedural victory as it moves toward reshaping the leadership of the Federal Reserve.

Kevin Warsh is expected to replace Stephen Miran, who had been temporarily appointed to the Fed Board by Donald Trump. His term on the Board of Governors is set to run until 2040, giving him a long-term role in the central bank regardless of the outcome of the separate chairmanship vote.

Fed Chair Vote Expected as Jerome Powell’s Term Nears End

Following the Senate’s approval of Kevin Warsh’s board membership, lawmakers are expected to hold a separate vote this week on his nomination to become Federal Reserve Chair. If confirmed, Warsh would succeed Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed Chair is set to end on May 15.

The move comes at a critical time for U.S. monetary policy, as the Federal Reserve continues to face pressure over interest rates, inflation, growth expectations and financial market stability. The Fed Chair plays a central role in shaping monetary policy, guiding market expectations and communicating the central bank’s economic outlook to investors, businesses and households.

President Donald Trump announced on January 30 that he had selected Kevin Warsh as his nominee to lead the Federal Reserve. The choice brings back a figure who is already familiar with the institution, as Warsh previously served on the Fed Board of Governors between 2006 and 2011.

A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, 56-year-old Warsh has long been associated with financial policy, markets and central bank debates. His return to the Federal Reserve would place him at the center of one of the most influential economic institutions in the world at a moment when monetary policy remains a major issue in Washington and across global markets.