Economy
IMF changes top economist at last minute to avoid Trump criticism
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) removed a candidate for a top position at the last moment due to his past criticism of Trump’s trade policy, according to the Financial Times. Portuguese economist Ricardo Reis, a professor at the London School of Economics, was replaced after warning in 2025 that Trump’s trade war would raise US prices and inflation. The IMF board, concerned about US influence as a major funder, instead appointed Silvana Tenreyro in July, who had been less critical of Trump’s policies. The IMF’s sensitivity to US criticism was previously demonstrated in 2025 when it dropped certain policies after US Trade Secretary Scott Bessent’s complaints.
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