Trump's selection to the Fed, Stephen Moore, "embarrassed" by past writings

Stephen Moore, Federal Reserve Chairman Donald Trump, told ABC Sunday "This Week" that he was "embarrassed" by some of his earlier writings and commentaries on women recently. examined.

"Frankly, I did not even remember writing any of them," he said of columns redone by CNN and the New York Times, adding: "These were columns of columns. humor but some were not funny so I'm sorry, I'm embarrassed by some of those things I've written. "

When asked if he regretted any of these writings, Moore replied, "Of course."

In an e-mail addressed to CNN, which had unearthed writings in which he lamented women's participation in athletics, Moore had described the ancient writings as "parodic" and meaningless that he had "some sense of humor ".

"Regarding wages and gender equality, I want this to be decided by the market," he said. "I do not want the government to intervene."

Last month, Trump announced plans to appoint Moore to the Fed, calling it an "outstanding choice" and "a highly respected economist." But in the weeks that followed, Moore was the target of much controversy, including the lack of alimony payments to his ex-wife and the opinions he expressed on democracy and capitalism.

Moore's controversy comes as another of Trump's planned picks from the Fed, Herman Cain, GOP presidential candidate and pizza executive in 2012, has withdrawn from the US. examination. Cain, accused and without a complaint of sexual harassment, said that he had withdrawn because of the "ethical restrictions" that this job entailed. A handful of GOP Senators indicated that they would not approve Cain for this position, which requires Senate confirmation and comes with a 14-year term.

On ABC, Moore said that he "should go back to the question of whether I am qualified to be part of the Federal Reserve, if I have economic expertise, you know it."

He added that he thought he would "succeed" with the confirmation process when he was finally appointed.

"If I became a handicap for one or the other of these senators, I would withdraw," he said. "I do not think it's going to happen to that."

Allan Smith

Allan Smith is a political journalist for NBC News.