The president told reporters about the announcement at the premiere for “Melania,” the film about first lady Melania Trump. Friday’s announcement will end a months-long selection process that has fueled discussion about the future direction of the country’s central bank. Trump has considered four final candidates to lead the Federal Reserve: National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, Federal Reserve Gov. Trump had said earlier he would announce his choice next week but later suggested the timeline had moved up. accused President Trump of using the investigation to pressure Powell to resign and assert political control over the central bank.