Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the new Federal Reserve chairman on May 22, 2026, in Washington D.C., marking a significant leadership change at the nation’s central bank. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath of office, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh also attending the ceremony. The event coincided with several other major developments in the Trump administration, including the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and a Senate Republican revolt over funding legislation.
President Donald Trump expressed his expectations for the new Fed chair during the ceremony, stating that he wants Warsh to operate with full independence. The swearing-in marks the end of Jerome Powell’s tenure as Federal Reserve chairman.
Main Developments
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Trump made clear his stance on the Federal Reserve’s direction under new leadership. “I want Kevin to be totally independent. I want him to be independent and just do a great job. Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody, just do your own thing, and do a great job,” Trump said.
Trump also addressed what he characterized as the Fed’s recent missteps. “In the eyes of many, the Fed lost its way in recent years. It became distracted by concerns far removed from its core mission and mandate, drifting into matters such as climate policy and DEI initiatives,” the president stated.
Trump expressed confidence in his new appointee, saying, “Kevin will restore confidence in the Fed, which is so important.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard Resigns
In a separate major development on May 22, 2026, Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard cited her husband Abraham Williams’ health as the reason for her departure. Williams was diagnosed with a serious and rare form of cancer, prompting Gabbard to step away from her role in the administration.
The resignation creates a vacancy in one of the nation’s top intelligence positions. Information about who will replace Gabbard as DNI has not been confirmed.
Senate Republicans Cancel Votes Over Anti-Weaponization Fund
Senate Republicans canceled scheduled votes on ICE and Border Patrol funding due to opposition to the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund included in the legislation. The fund has sparked intense disagreement among Republican senators.
Sources described a contentious briefing session involving acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Fiery does not begin to cut it. My guess is they’re probably 45 senators in the room, at least half of them were blasting the attorney general, and they were pissed,” according to one account of the meeting.
Former D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone criticized the fund, stating, “So the nation’s top law enforcement official is asking for a slush fund to pay people who assault cops? Utterly stupid, morally wrong — Take your pick.”
The Department of Justice defended its position, stating, “We are proud to reverse the DOJ’s weaponization under the Biden administration. We will do everything in our power to make whole those who were persecuted for political purposes.”
The Senate is scheduled to return on June 1, 2026.
DOJ Removes Jan. 6 Press Releases From Website
The Department of Justice removed press releases about Jan. 6 defendants from its website. This development comes as the administration has taken various actions regarding those charged in connection with the January 6 events.
D.J. Rodriguez, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, had originally received a sentence of 12.5 years before receiving clemency.
Trump Campaigns for Rep. Mike Lawler in New York
President Trump traveled to Suffern, New York on May 22, 2026, to campaign for Republican Representative Mike Lawler. The campaign rally represents the president’s continued involvement in supporting Republican congressional candidates.
Donald Trump Jr. Wedding
Donald Trump Jr., 48, married Bettina Anderson in West Palm Beach, Florida on Thursday, May 22, 2026. President Trump will not attend Don Jr.’s wedding celebration in the Bahamas.
Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded Posthumously
President Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Welles Crowther, a 9/11 hero. Crowther saved 18 lives on September 11, 2001, and was 24 years old when he died. His mother, Allison Crowther, was present for the ceremony.
What We Know So Far
Kevin Warsh officially replaced Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chairman following a ceremony where Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath. President Trump emphasized his desire for Warsh to operate independently while restoring the Fed’s focus on its core mission.
Tulsi Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence due to her husband’s serious cancer diagnosis. Senate Republicans are divided over the anti-weaponization fund, causing delays in ICE and Border Patrol funding legislation.
Trump’s national approval rating stands at 37% according to a NYT/Siena College poll, while his approval among Republicans is 82%.
Recent Primary Election Results
Several notable primary results have reshaped the political landscape. Senator Bill Cassidy lost the Louisiana Republican primary on May 16, 2026. Representative Thomas Massie lost the Kentucky primary to Ed Gallrein on May 20, 2026. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was eliminated from the governor race in the May 20 primary.
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her candidacy for Florida’s 20th District. Julia Letlow received Trump’s endorsement in Louisiana.
Other Administration Developments
House Republicans delayed a vote on an Iran war powers resolution. Trump launched military operations in Iran on February 28, and congressional opposition to the conflict continues.
The South Carolina Senate rejected an effort to expedite a redistricting vote. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent continues to serve in the administration.
What Happens Next
The Senate is scheduled to return to session on June 1, 2026, where the anti-weaponization fund and related funding legislation will likely face continued debate. The vacancy at the Director of National Intelligence position remains unfilled following Gabbard’s resignation announcement.
Kevin Warsh will begin his duties as Federal Reserve chairman, with expectations that he will focus on what the administration describes as the Fed’s core mission and mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Federal Reserve chairman?
Kevin Warsh was sworn in as the new Federal Reserve chairman on May 22, 2026, replacing Jerome Powell. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath of office.
Why did Tulsi Gabbard resign as Director of National Intelligence?
Tulsi Gabbard resigned because her husband Abraham Williams was diagnosed with a serious and rare form of cancer. She announced her resignation on May 22, 2026.
What is the anti-weaponization fund controversy?
Senate Republicans oppose the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund included in ICE and Border Patrol funding legislation. The disagreement caused Senate Republicans to cancel scheduled votes on the funding bill.
When does the Senate return to session?
The Senate is scheduled to return on June 1, 2026.
The swearing-in of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve chairman represents one of several significant changes occurring within the Trump administration during the week of May 22, 2026. The combination of leadership transitions, congressional disputes over funding, and ongoing policy debates continues to shape the administration’s agenda as the Senate prepares to reconvene in June.
