Just days ahead of the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision, President Donald Trump repeated his wish that Chair Jerome Powell cut the benchmark rate, but also said he wouldn't replace Powell before his term ends in 2026.
Trump told NBC News Meet the Press that Powell should lower rates, "and at some point, he will."
The president suggested that Powell is deliberately holding out on him in granting this wish. "He'd rather not because he's not a fan of mine," Trump said. "You know, he just doesn't like me because I think he's a total stiff."
But asked directly whether he planned to remove Powell before his term is up next year, Trump told NBC: "No, no, no. That was a total -- why would I do that?"
The central bank is expected to hold rates steady this week after a stronger than expected jump in April payrolls, despite concerns that a recession is looming. Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Powell, demanding an interest rate cut as he rolls out a chaotic trade policy that has roiled stock and bond markets.
Since taking office just over 100 days ago, Trump has overseen steep cuts to federal programs and the federal workforce, moves that have added to a sense of uncertainty. Democrat Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia warned Sunday that it could have lasting effects.
"We're going to be paying the price for this first 100 days-plus of rapid cuts I think literally for years," Warner told CNN's State of the Nation.
Trump blamed recent data that showed the economy retracted in the first quarter on his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and on Sunday he claimed credit for positive economic news while continuing to deflect anything negative.
Asked whether it is currently the "Trump economy," the president told NBC: "I think the good parts are the Trump economy and the bad parts are the Biden economy because he's done a terrible job."
Pressed on the topic, Trump added: "Ultimately, I take responsibility for everything. But I've only just been here for a little more than three months."
Trump wouldn't take the possibility that his tariffs are permanent off the table, because it would remove the incentive for companies to move their production to the U.S., which he has said is the goal of the tariffs.
Trump said he wants Powell to cut rates because "we are at a perfect time. It's already late."
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