Core Viewpoint - Deutsche Bank suggests that if Trump successfully gains control of the Federal Reserve Board with four dovish votes, it could lead to aggressive monetary easing policies and allow for unilateral actions to lower the Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB), bypassing the FOMC's decisions [1][3][12] Group 1: Control of the Federal Reserve Board - Trump's administration is seeking to gain control of the Federal Reserve Board by dismissing Governor Cook, which would enable the implementation of aggressive monetary policies [3][6] - Following the resignation of Governor Kuger, Trump has garnered increasing support for dovish monetary policies within the committee [4] - If Trump appoints a candidate favoring significant rate cuts to replace Cook, the power dynamics within the Board will change dramatically, potentially leading to a majority of dovish votes [6][7] Group 2: Impact on Monetary Policy - The emergence of four stable dovish votes within the Board would significantly increase internal pressure for faster and larger rate cuts, even amidst high inflation data [7][12] - The Board's majority could utilize its power to unilaterally lower the IORB, which has historically been aligned with FOMC targets, thus challenging the traditional decision-making framework [9][10] - This unilateral action could lead to unprecedented dynamics in the money market, creating potential chaos and directly impacting the FOMC's traditional decision-making process [11] Group 3: Restructuring the FOMC - The majority within the Federal Reserve Board also holds the long-term power to reshape the composition of the FOMC voting members, as all 12 regional Federal Reserve Presidents require Board approval for reappointment every five years [12][13] - A Board majority seeking aggressive easing could veto the reappointment of hawkish regional Fed Presidents, gradually eliminating opposing voices and paving the way for long-term easing policies [13]

Core Viewpoint - Deutsche Bank indicates that if Trump successfully gains control of the FOMC majority, it could lead to more aggressive monetary easing policies and the ability to bypass FOMC decisions through technical means [1]. Group 1: Control of the Federal Reserve Board - The Trump administration is seeking to control the majority of the Federal Reserve Board by dismissing Governor Cook, which could provide powerful tools to enforce monetary easing policies [1][2]. - With the resignation of Governor Kuttner, Trump has gained increasing support for easing policies within the committee [1]. - The appointment of a dovish candidate to replace Kuttner is expected to add another voice advocating for easing in upcoming policy debates [1]. Group 2: Internal Pressure for Easing - The Federal Reserve Board could have four stable dovish votes, constituting a majority among the seven board seats, which would significantly increase internal pressure for faster and larger rate cuts [3]. - A board with a majority would have a stronger collective voice, potentially constraining Fed Chair Powell and other cautious members, even amid high inflation data [3]. Group 3: Bypassing FOMC Decisions - The majority on the board could directly influence the Interest Rate on Reserve Balances (IORB), which is a key tool that the board controls, allowing for unilateral actions to lower rates [4][5]. - Historically, the board has aligned IORB with FOMC targets, but this is a convention rather than a legal requirement, allowing for potential deviations [4]. Group 4: Restructuring the FOMC - The board's majority also holds the long-term power to reshape the FOMC voting member composition by approving or denying the reappointment of regional Fed presidents every five years [6][7]. - A board seeking aggressive easing could use this power to eliminate hawkish voices from the FOMC, thereby paving the way for long-term easing policies [7].