The bureaucratic state is always undermining Trump. And he isn’t having it.
Now Trump excoriated the Federal Reserve for making this drastic decision.
Trump’s Bold Call for Economic Leadership
President Donald Trump, addressing reporters at the White House on June 18, 2025, sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for his anticipated decision to hold interest rates steady, a move Trump sees as a misstep for the economy.
Reflecting on his 2018 appointment of Powell, Trump expressed regret, stating, “What I’m going to do is, you know, he gets out in about nine months, he has to, he gets fortunately terminated … I would have never reappointed him, (President Joe) Biden reappointed him.”
Trump’s frustration stems from Powell’s cautious approach, which he dubbed “too late Powell,” claiming, “I call him ‘too late Powell’ because he’s always too late. I mean, if you look at him, every time I did this I was right 100%, he was wrong.”
Trump’s knack for economic foresight, evident in his first term’s growth, fuels his push for a more dynamic Fed, per Bloomberg’s June 2025 analysis of his market influence.
A Vision for a Responsive Fed
Trump playfully mused about leading the Fed himself, saying, “Maybe I should go to the Fed. Am I allowed to appoint myself at the Fed? I’d do a much better job than these people.”
While not a serious proposal, it underscores his belief in decisive action over Powell’s hesitancy.
The Fed’s expected decision to maintain rates, reported by Reuters on June 18, reflects concerns over a cooling economy, potential inflation from Trump’s proposed tariffs, and Middle East tensions.
Trump, however, argues Powell’s delays harm American workers and businesses, a view echoed by Fox Business’ June 2025 coverage noting public support for his economic agenda.
Trump clarified he won’t fire Powell before his term ends in May 2026 but made clear he won’t reappoint him, criticizing Biden’s 2022 decision to do so, hinting at political motives: “I don’t know why that is, but I guess maybe he was a Democrat.”
Championing Economic Growth
Trump’s critique aligns with his broader economic strategy, which has driven a 1.7% real wage increase for blue-collar workers in his first five months, per Treasury data reported by The Post in June 2025.
His push for lower rates aims to sustain this momentum, contrasting with Powell’s conservative stance, which some analysts, like those at CNBC in May 2025, argue risks stifling growth.
Trump’s first term saw robust job creation and stock market gains, often credited to his pressure on the Fed, and he’s signaling a return to that playbook.
By highlighting Powell’s missteps, Trump positions himself as the steward of a thriving economy, ready to install a Fed leader who shares his vision for cutting rates and boosting American prosperity when Powell’s term ends.
