Trump-Powell Meeting: Fed Chair Rejects Political Pressure on Interest Rates

President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell held their first meeting of Trump's second term on Thursday at the White House. The Federal Reserve's statement confirmed that President Trump initiated the meeting. Chair Powell affirmed that interest rate decisions are made based on "careful, objective, and non-political analysis." However, President Trump has publicly disagreed, arguing that there is no inflation and calling Powell's actions a mistake. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed these details, adding that President Trump believes Powell's refusal to lower interest rates puts the US at an economic disadvantage compared to China and other countries. This meeting highlights the ongoing tension between the executive branch and the Federal Reserve regarding monetary policy.