Janet Yellen on her legacy as the first woman to lead the Fed, Trump’s central bank clash, and Kevin Warsh’s tightrope

Throughout her career, Janet Yellen has broken barriers with several “firsts.” First woman to lead the Federal Reserve. First female treasury secretary. First and only person to hold the “big three” U.S. economic leadership positions—those two, plus chair of the White House council of economic advisors.

Her latest honor is as a 2026 inductee into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Founded in 1969 in Seneca Falls, N.Y., the Hall of Fame each year inducts a class of women, about half contemporary (or living) and half historic.

To mark the milestone, Yellen spoke with Fortune about what this means to her and the most pressing political and economic questions of the day. “This one is very special to me,” Yellen said, comparing this award to all the honors she’s received in her life, “because the Women’s Hall of Fame is about the story of women in America and their struggle to achieve equality. And to me, it makes me part of that story.” Read the full conversation below:

How do you think about your own place in history?

I see myself as being situated in this having benefited from what generations before did and inspired me, and hoping that my story can inspire future generations. I had tremendous opportunities to work in an area where there have been relatively few women. I often attended meetings, both in academia and in international meetings, where I was the only woman at the table, and was able to nevertheless succeed.

When you look back at the entire scope of your career, which achievements are you proudest of?

I feel good about my ability to take my training in economics and my long-held view that the purpose of economics is to improve outcomes for people, especially people who are struggling to succeed. I’m grateful that I was entrusted with very important roles where I helped to make decisions, certainly with others that I think did advance American economic welfare, both at the Fed in trying to manage the worst financial crisis America has seen since the Great Depression, and to try to help people get back on their feet after all that they suffered.

How are you feeling about the Fed’s independence today and how worried are you........

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