Trump’s Economic Rant: A Clash with Jerome Powell
On Thursday, President Trump unleashed a tirade against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, expressing frustration over Powell’s steadfast refusal to reduce interest rates, even in the face of robust economic indicators.
During Barack Obama’s presidency, interest rates were held at an ultra-low level of 0.25%, a strategy that Trump now criticizes as having been overly accommodating. Yet, upon assuming office, Trump claims that Powell began raising rates to deliberately cool the economy, potentially undermining the opportunity for Trump to address the national debt during his first term.
Despite the current strength of the economy, Trump argues that Powell’s refusal to lower interest rates is inexplicable, especially when compared to other global economies. In a post on TRUTH Social, Trump criticized Powell’s policies as being detrimental to American workers.
āToo Lateā Powell complains about costs, much of which were produced by the Biden administration, but he could do the biggest and best job for our country by helping to lower interest rates. If he reduced them to the appropriate range of 1% to 2%, that ānumbskullā would be saving the United States up to $1 trillion dollars per year.
I know my strong criticism makes it more difficult for him to do what he should be doing, lowering rates, but Iāve tried all different approaches. Iāve been nice, neutral, and nasty, and none worked! Heās a misguided individual, and an obvious Trump critic, who should not be in his position. I listened to the wrong advice, and Biden shouldnāt have reappointed him. We have virtually no inflation, our economy is thriving, and with the tremendous tariff income and factories sprouting across the nation, it will perform better than ever.
If he truly cared about inflation or other economic issues, all he needs to do is lower rates now, allowing us to benefit from reduced interest costs. He can always raise them later if inflation actually materializes (which I doubt!). Donāt predict future inflation when itās not a concern now; if it arises, then adjust the rates!
We should be at the top of the attached list, not the bottom. I don’t understand why the Board doesnāt override this complete folly! Perhaps Iāll need to reconsider my stance on firing him. Regardless, his term ends soon!
Trump also included a chart in his post, illustrating his points.
Via Midnight Rider.