Trump Names Temporary Fed Governor Amid Vacancy, Seeks Permanent Appointee

President Donald Trump has appointed Stephen Miran, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as a temporary replacement until January 31, 2026, following the surprise resignation of Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler. This appointment is seen as a strategic move amid escalating tensions between Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, with speculation that Trump may use the vacancy to influence the future direction of Federal Reserve policy or to eventually replace Powell. Meanwhile, Trump has confirmed only five Article III federal judges through August 1, 2025, marking the fewest judicial appointments during this stage of a president's second term since Bill Clinton, with notably low numbers for both Court of Appeals and District Court judges. Kugler's early resignation has opened multiple options for Trump, who could either install a temporary 'shadow chair' to challenge Powell or accelerate the selection of a permanent Fed Chair nominee. These developments highlight the ongoing political and economic maneuvering within Trump's administration concerning monetary policy and judicial appointments.