Key Developments and Unverified Reports
A report from Jinshi News on January 18 claimed that US Treasury Secretary "Bessenter" announced Donald Trump's commitment to Federal Reserve independence and mentioned potential candidates for the Fed Chair position. This report, however, lacks legitimate confirmation and raises concerns about the accuracy of information circulating regarding US economic policy.
The unverified statement underscores the challenges in ensuring that media reports align with credible sources, especially when discussing sensitive economic policies and leadership appointments.
Analysis of Claims Regarding Trump and the Federal Reserve
The report attributed to "Bessenter" asserted that Trump supports the Federal Reserve's independence and identified four potential candidates for the Fed Chair role. It is crucial to note that no individual named Bessenter corresponds to any known US Treasury Secretary, casting significant doubt on the report's authenticity. Observers consistently emphasize the importance of maintaining Federal Reserve autonomy amidst political pressures.
Janet Yellen, in previous remarks, has warned of fiscal dominance constraints that could impede the Federal Reserve's ability to pursue its objectives effectively, particularly if US debt continues to rise unchecked. Experts and market analysts have expressed skepticism due to the lack of evidence from reliable sources confirming the Jinshi News report. Yellen's prior statements on fiscal dominance highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, especially with a debt-to-GDP ratio reportedly at 120%.
Fiscal dominance constrains the Federal Reserve’s ability to pursue its objectives effectively.
Cryptocurrency Market Context: Ethereum Trends
Yellen's tenure as Treasury Secretary included addressing similar pressures, reflecting historical struggles for the Federal Reserve's independence. This context is relevant when considering current discussions around the Fed's autonomy.
As of January 18, 2026, Ethereum (ETH) was trading at $3,336.33, with a market capitalization of $402.68 billion and a market dominance of 12.48%. The cryptocurrency's 24-hour trading volume stood at $12.36 billion. Despite a 33.51% decline in its 90-day performance, which showed a notable decrease of 17.31%, Ethereum experienced a 0.88% increase within the past 24 hours.
Coincu analysts emphasize the necessity of clear communication from financial authorities to prevent misunderstandings that could impact market stability. Janet Yellen's ongoing caution regarding fiscal policy continues to resonate with financial observers, particularly concerning the delicate balance the Federal Reserve must maintain between its autonomy and political influence.