WASHINGTON – A prominent contender for President Donald Trump’s nomination as Federal Reserve Chair has stated that while he would convey the president’s perspectives to Federal Reserve officials, those views could be dismissed during their decision-making process on interest rates.

In a Sunday interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Kevin Hassett expressed his intention to maintain dialogue with Trump should he assume the role of Fed Chair. However, when questioned whether Trump’s opinions on interest rates would carry equal influence with the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee, Hassett clarified, “No, he would have no weight.”

Hassett elaborated, “His opinion is valuable if it’s well-founded and data-driven. If you present the committee with a sound argument from the president, it’s worth considering. But if they disagree, they will vote differently.”

These remarks come amid reports that Trump is nearing the end of his selection process for a successor to the current Fed Chair, Jerome Powell. Trump has been vocal about his desire for the new Fed leader to significantly reduce the central bank’s key interest rate from its current level of approximately 3.6% to 1% or even lower—a stance that finds little support among economists. This assertiveness has sparked concerns regarding the Fed’s autonomy from political influences under a new chair appointed by Trump.

Historically, until Trump’s election in 2016, presidents from both political parties refrained from publicly commenting on Federal Reserve decisions, and typically avoided private commentary as well. Economists generally agree that a politically independent Fed is more effective in controlling inflation, as it can implement necessary yet unpopular measures, such as raising interest rates, to stabilize prices.

On Friday, however, Trump said that he “certainly should have a role in talking to whoever the head of the Fed is” about rates.

“I’ve done great. I’ve made a lot of money, I’m very successful,” he said. “I think my voice should be heard.”

The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Kevin Warsh, a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and former Fed governor, is Trump’s current favorite to replace Powell, whose term ends next May. But Trump has previously hinted that he would pick Hassett.

“I think the two Kevins are great,” Trump told the Journal.

Hassett, for his part, on Sunday said that “in the end, the job of the Fed is to be independent.”

“In the end, it’s a committee that votes,” he said. “And I’d be happy to talk to the president every day until both of us are dead because it’s so much fun.”