Trump Escalates Fed Feud: Sends Powell Handwritten Note Demanding Rate Cuts

 

Key Takeaways

• Handwritten demand: Trump publicly shared a Sharpie-scrawled note to Fed Chair Powell demanding drastic rate cuts to ~1%, criticizing him as “too late” .
• Economic argument: Trump claims high rates cost the U.S. “hundreds of billions” with “no inflation,” while the Fed cites tariff impacts as inflationary risks .
• Institutional clash: Powell asserts Fed independence, refusing to cut rates amid policy uncertainty, drawing praise from global central bankers .
• Succession threats: Trump plans to name Powell’s replacement by summer 2025—unusually early—with Treasury’s Scott Bessent a top contender .
• Legal limits: The Supreme Court recently signaled Trump lacks authority to fire Powell, calling the Fed “uniquely structured” .

The Handwritten Note: Trump’s Public Rebuke of Powell

On June 30, 2025, President Trump escalated his pressure campaign against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell by sharing a handwritten note on Truth Social. Scrawled in black Sharpie across a chart of global interest rates, Trump wrote: “Jerome – You are, as usual, ‘too late.’ You have cost the USA a fortune – and continue to do so – You should lower the rate – by a lot. Hundreds of billions of dollars being lost! No Inflation” . He added arrows pointing to rates between 0.5% (Japan) and 1.75% (Denmark), insisting the U.S. “should be here” instead of its current 4.25–4.5% range .

Hours later, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt displayed an oversized copy during her briefing, emphasizing Trump’s view that “American people want to borrow money cheaply” . The stunt marks Trump’s most personal attack yet in a months-long feud where he’s labeled Powell a “numbskull” and “stupid person” .

Why Trump Wants Ultra-Low Rates: Debt and Growth

Trump’s demand stems from two core arguments:

1. Government debt costs: He claims high rates balloon interest payments on the national debt, costing “hundreds of billions” .
2. Cheap credit access: Leavitt echoed that Americans “should be able to borrow cheaply,” implying lower rates would spur business and consumer spending .

He points to 2.4% May inflation as proof cuts won’t overheat prices . But economists note contradictions: Trump’s tariffs on imports—which Powell cited as inflationary—could undo disinflationary progress. As Powell told Congress: “Tariffs this year are likely to push up prices” .

Powell’s Resistance: Independence Over Politics

Despite Trump’s bullying, Powell refuses to yield. His resistance hinges on three principles:

• Data dependency: The Fed needs time to assess how Trump’s tariffs (enacted recently) impact inflation and growth .
• Institutional independence: Powell told senators the Fed doesn’t “take into consideration political factors” when setting rates .
• Risk management: Premature cuts could repeat 2022’s mistake, when the Fed underestimated inflation .

Global central bankers back Powell’s stance. ECB President Christine Lagarde praised him in Portugal for “epitomiz[ing] the standard of a courageous central banker” .

Can Trump Fire Powell? Legal and Political Limits

Legally, no. The Federal Reserve Act insulates board members from political removal, allowing dismissal only “for cause” (e.g., corruption). Trump’s team isn’t actively challenging this—unlike his push to oust labor board members . In May 2025, the Supreme Court reinforced this distinction, calling the Fed a “uniquely structured, quasi-private entity” .

Trump’s fallback tactics:

• Public shaming: Daily Truth Social broadsides like “Powell and his entire board should be ashamed” .
• Early replacement threat: Naming a successor 10 months before Powell’s term ends (May 2026) to create a “shadow chair” .

The Succession Plan: Who Could Replace Powell?

Trump confirmed he’ll name Powell’s replacement “imminently”—far earlier than typical. Top contenders include:

Bessent downplayed interest, telling Bloomberg: “I have the best job in D.C.” . But Trump could appoint his pick to an open board seat (e.g., when Fed Governor Adriana Kugler’s term expires in January 2026) to build influence before Powell’s exit .

Historical Context: Fed Independence Under Siege

Trump’s assault isn’t new. During his first term, he attacked Powell for raising rates, later admitting he wanted a “cheap money” Fed . What’s unprecedented now:

• Preemptive succession: No president has named a replacement so early, risking market confusion if a “shadow chair” contradicts Powell .
• Emergency powers: Trump tested limits by invoking emergencies for tariffs and deportations, though not yet for Fed control .
• Global ramifications: As Powell delays cuts, other banks like the ECB and Bank of Mexico have cut rates, widening policy gaps .

Market Impact: Uncertainty Ahead of July Meeting

Financial markets face three overlapping risks:

1. Policy confusion: A Trump-picked successor could contradict Powell’s messaging, weakening the dollar or spooking bond markets .
2. Delayed cuts: Traders price in three quarter-point cuts starting September—later than Trump wants—due to tariff uncertainty .
3. Political volatility: Trump’s public feuds could amplify market swings ahead of the Fed’s July 30–31 meeting .

JPMorgan analysts warn that cuts driven by political pressure—rather than economic data—could backfire, hurting stocks long-term .

FAQs: Trump, Powell, and the Fed Feud

Can Trump legally fire Jerome Powell?
No. Federal Reserve governors can only be removed “for cause” (e.g., criminal conduct). The Supreme Court recently affirmed this .

What interest rate does Trump want?
Around 1%, down from the current 4.25–4.5%. He argues this aligns with rates in Denmark, Thailand, and Japan .

Why hasn’t Powell cut rates yet?
He cites uncertainty from Trump’s tariffs and seeks clearer inflation data. The Fed also operates independently of political demands .

Who might replace Powell in 2026?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, ex-Fed governor Kevin Warsh, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller are top contenders .

Has Trump pressured the Fed before?
Yes. In his first term, he attacked Powell for not cutting rates faster, calling him a “fool” and threatening demotion .