Trump Criticizes Fed Chair Powell, Hints at Possible Pressure on Interest Rates

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WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has stated he will not remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell from his post but suggested he might “force something” to push the central bank toward cutting interest rates.

Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump expressed frustration with the Fed’s stance on rates. “If it’s going to go up, I’m okay with that… but it’s down, and we’re going into financing—I may have to force something,” he said.

Although he mocked Powell as a “numbskull,” Trump clarified, “I’m not going to fire him.” The president also voiced discontent over rising oil prices.

Trump recently indicated that a decision on who will serve as the next Fed chair is expected soon.