President Donald Trump continued his attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Thursday, declaring definitively, “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast.”
Trump’s first strike came in a post on Truth Social, where he blasted Powell for being “Too Late.” The attack came after Powell criticized Trump’s trade policies. On Wednesday, Powell defended the Federal Reserve’s independence, saying, “We’re never going to be influenced by any political pressure.”
Trump quickly fired back on social media, calling Powell “Too Late Jerome Powell” and blasting him for being “always TOO LATE AND WRONG.” Trump continued, “Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS. Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!”
Trump’s diatribe didn’t stop there. Hours later, during a Q&A at the White House, Trump was asked about Powell’s statement that he wouldn’t quit if asked. Trump doubled down, saying, “Oh, he’ll leave. If I ask him to, he’ll be out of there. But I don’t think he’s doing the job; he’s too late, always too late, a little slow, and I’m not happy with him. I let him know it, and, oh, if I want him out, he’d be out of there real fast. Believe me.”
Despite Trump’s threats, Powell remains firm. He said the president doesn’t have the power to fire him unless there’s a cause, like misconduct. That view is backed by the Supreme Court. Still, the White House has shown it’s willing to challenge such limits, having already removed members from other independent agencies.
Powell also noted on Wednesday that while lawmakers from both parties have largely defended the Fed’s independence, criticism still comes from all sides. “We are blessed with a large number of amply-compensated critics,” Powell quipped.
While Trump has continued his campaign against Powell, the chairman has made it clear that he won’t be stepping down anytime soon.
Watch the video below:
Reporter: “You said the termination of Jerome Powell cannot come fast enough. He says he won't leave even if you ask him to.”
Trump: “Oh, he'll leave. If I ask him to, he'll be out of there…If I want him out, he will be out of there real fast, believe me.” pic.twitter.com/C7QScln69A
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) April 17, 2025
