Neel Kashkari, President of the Minneapolis Fed, on Tariffs and More

This documentary segment features an interview with Neel Kashkari, who has served as the president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis since 2016. The discussion focuses on economic topics including tariffs and other related issues. Kashkari’s background includes prior service in the U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2006 to 2009, where he held the position of assistant secretary. During the 2008 financial crisis, he was responsible for overseeing the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), a government initiative designed to stabilize the U.S. financial system.

The interview was conducted by James Jacoby of FRONTLINE on March 20, 2026, and constitutes an excerpt from the larger documentary, “The President vs. the Fed.” The segment provides insights into Kashkari’s perspectives on contemporary economic policy and his experiences with significant financial events, such as the implementation of TARP. His role at the Minneapolis Fed places him within the broader framework of the Federal Reserve System, influencing monetary policy and economic stability.

Key Themes & Topics Examined

• The role and responsibilities of the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
• Discussions on tariffs and their economic implications.
• The historical context of the 2008 financial crisis and the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP).
• The intersection of government policy and central banking in economic management.
• Perspectives on current economic challenges and policy responses.

Archival & Investigative Sources

• Interview with Neel Kashkari conducted by James Jacoby of FRONTLINE.
• Information regarding Neel Kashkari’s tenure at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
• Details concerning Kashkari’s previous roles within the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• Documentation related to the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Neel Kashkari?

Neel Kashkari is the president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, a position he has held since 2016. He previously served in the U.S. Department of the Treasury from 2006 to 2009, where he oversaw the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) during the 2008 financial crisis.

What is the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP)?

TARP was a multi-billion dollar fund established by the U.S. government in 2008 to stabilize the U.S. financial system during the financial crisis. Neel Kashkari was responsible for overseeing this program during his time at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

What is the context of this interview?

This interview with Neel Kashkari is an excerpt from the FRONTLINE documentary “The President vs. the Fed.” It was conducted on March 20, 2026, and covers topics such as tariffs and other economic issues.