Summary
- The Senate confirmed Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve Board 48-47.
- Miran is a Trump economic adviser and tariff policy supporter.
- First time Fed governor also serves as White House official.
The FOMC's decision may be influenced by the approval of Miran, which was approved on Monday, September 15, 2025, shortly before the central bank's interest rate meeting this week.
With 48 senators supporting Miran's nomination, 47 opposing it, and five abstaining from voting, the Senate vote was party-line.
Miran has a doctorate from Harvard and a degree in economics from Boston University. He was a senior counselor for economic strategy at the US Department of the Treasury under the previous Trump Administration.
Miran offers a distinct viewpoint to the Federal Reserve as a former senior strategist at Hudson Bay, an investment business that is actively engaged in trading claims related to the FTX bankruptcy filed in late 2022
Supporters of Miran's nomination contend that the Federal Reserve may be able to adjust to the changing environment of digital currencies and blockchain-based systems with the aid of his knowledge of cutting-edge financial technologies. In an age of financial innovation, they saw his nomination as a progressive move to guarantee the central bank's continued relevance.
Senator Tim Scott, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, called the approval of Miran a “win for the American people.”
“ He brings deep experience, proven leadership, and a clear commitment to ensuring the American economy remains strong and competitive. I am confident Dr. Miran will act in an independent manner, and that he will prioritize monetary policy decisions which will foster growth, investment, and opportunity in South Carolina and across this great nation.”
Miran stated that he will make every effort to "provide rigorous, independent analysis aimed at achieving the Fed’s statutory mandates" while he is employed by the Fed.
Today, September 16, 2025, Miran took the oath of office as a member of the Federal Reserve System's Board of Governors.
In what way would Miran's confirmation alter future Fed interest-rate decisions?
Miran’s confirmation comes just before a key Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting at which an important change to the Fed's benchmark rate is expected.
The Fed is expected to approve a quarter-percentage point decrease to provide relief for a weakening labor market, but Miran may press for a larger half-percentage point decrease.
Miran is known as a proponent of former President Trump'stariff policies and lower interest rates. He believes easing monetary policy could spur economic growth, which is perfectly aligned with Trump's desire for even larger and faster cuts. His confirmation will tilt the voting in favor of cuts for the 12-member FOMC and may energize the advocates of deeper easing.