February 24, 2025

Ahead of Thursday’s Hearing, Warren Questions CEA Chair Nominee Dr. Stephen Miran on His Economic Policy Positions, Potential Conflicts of Interest

“The Chair must provide objective advice for the present on a range of economic issues to ensure that we expand economic opportunities for the middle class, not just help rich investors get richer”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, wrote to Council of Economic Advisors Chair-Designate Dr. Stephen Miran ahead of his nomination hearing this Thursday, pressing him to clarify his positions on key issues, including plans to lower costs, the independence of the Fed, tariffs, tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations, and accurate economic forecasts. She also asked him to provide transparency about his potential corporate conflicts of interest and recuse himself from matters that affect his previous employers. 

“There is no comprehensive record of your positions on the scope of economic issues that you may need to reckon with as the CEA Chair. Your scant public record, coupled with your potential conflicts of interest, raise questions about how you would advise the President and which proposals you would support, challenge, or endorse,” wrote Ranking Member Warren.

Ranking Member Warren indicated her concern about the ramifications of Trump’s proposed tariffs for working Americans and pressed him to avoid potential conflicts of interest related to advice he would provide, if confirmed, about tariffs and tariff exemptions.

“You have previously signaled support for the use of tariffs, and I agree that they are an important tool to boost U.S. manufacturing and level the economic playing field. However, it remains to be seen if the President has a strategic plan in place to ensure that his proposed tariffs are implemented in a way that secures wins for hardworking Americans and precludes carveouts for special interests,” wrote Ranking Member Warren.

Senator Warren also pressed Dr. Miran on his record of questioning the Federal Reserve’s independence and proposed overhauls that would make the Fed’s board fireable at will by the President.

“I ask that you come to this hearing prepared to answer the questions in this letter. I also ask that you provide written answers to these questions prior to any Banking Committee vote to advance your nomination,” wrote Ranking Member Warren ahead of Thursday’s hearing.

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