Stephen Moore, Trump’s pick for the board of the Federal Reserve, has drawn scrutiny for his comments about women in college sports

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

The White House has said controversial comments by the economist Stephen Moore, whom Donald Trump has picked for a place on the board of the Federal Reserve, are under review.

Press secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Monday: “When we have an update on that front we’ll let you know.”

Trump’s other controversial pick for the board of the independent central bank, Herman Cain, withdrew over criticism of his qualifications for the role and past allegations of sexual harassment and infidelity.

Stephen Moore: Trump's Fed pick underpaid ex-wife's alimony for years Read more

Moore is a longtime conservative commentator who advised Trump during the 2016 presidential election. Amid scrutiny of his past writings, media outlets have unearthed provocative articles about women, including comments on clothing choices and complaints about the suitability of female referees and commentators in basketball.

Moore told ABC he regrets some articles, but urged critics to focus on his economic record. He said he stands by his economic positions but added if his nomination became too much of a liability to GOP senators: “I would withdraw.” His qualifications for a seat on the board of the Fed have also been questioned.

The Guardian reported last month that the Internal Revenue Service said Moore owed $75,000 in taxes, and that he was once held in contempt for more than $300,000 in alimony payments amid an acrimonious divorce.

Moore disputed the IRS claim and said he was working to resolve the issue, and called reporting on details of his divorce “vile and vicious and underhanded”.