WASHINGTON, D.C. — Alan Greenspan, the longtime chairman of the United States Federal Reserve and one of the most influential figures in modern economic history, has died at the age of 100. His wife, veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell, confirmed that Greenspan passed away on June 22 from complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Greenspan’s death marks the end of an era in American finance. Over nearly two decades as chairman of the Federal Reserve, he guided the nation’s monetary policy through some of the most significant economic events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, earning both widespread praise and enduring criticism for his leadership.
Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, Greenspan remained at the helm of the Federal Reserve until 2006, serving under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. His tenure made him one of the longest-serving Fed chairs in U.S. history and established him as a central figure in global financial policymaking.
During his leadership, Greenspan steered the U.S. economy through the 1987 stock market crash, the recession of the early 1990s, the technology boom of the late 1990s, the bursting of the dot-com bubble, and the economic uncertainty that followed the September 11 terrorist attacks. His approach to monetary policy was often credited with helping sustain a prolonged period of economic expansion and low inflation.
Known for his analytical mind and carefully measured public statements, Greenspan became famous for his often-cryptic communication style, commonly referred to as “Fed-speak.” Investors and economists around the world closely monitored his remarks, recognizing their ability to influence financial markets almost instantly.
Although widely celebrated during much of his career, Greenspan’s legacy later became the subject of significant debate. Following the 2008 global financial crisis, many critics argued that his support for financial deregulation and prolonged period of low interest rates contributed to conditions that fueled the housing bubble and subsequent economic collapse. Greenspan later acknowledged that he had underestimated the risks associated with financial institutions regulating themselves.
Despite the differing assessments of his policies, Greenspan’s influence on central banking remains profound. His decisions shaped not only the U.S. economy but also monetary policy discussions around the world, leaving a lasting impact on how central banks respond to financial crises and economic growth.
Before entering public service, Greenspan studied economics after initially pursuing music, eventually building a successful consulting career that led to advisory roles in Washington. Following his retirement from the Federal Reserve, he remained active as an economic consultant, author, and commentator on financial and public policy issues.
In a statement announcing his death, Andrea Mitchell remembered her husband as “a giant of a man” whose brilliance and kindness defined both his public service and private life. She also reflected on their decades together, describing him as a devoted partner with a passion for sports, music, and lifelong learning.
Alan Greenspan is survived by his wife, Andrea Mitchell. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. As tributes continue to arrive from political leaders, economists, and financial institutions worldwide, he is being remembered as one of the most consequential—and debated—economic policymakers of his generation.