In a sharp escalation of political and economic tensions, White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro openly criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, raising concerns over Powell’s resistance to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Navarro described Powell’s position as “deeply troubling,” signaling a widening rift between the administration’s trade policy$TRUMP
According to reports from BlockBeats, Navarro argued that Powell’s pushback against Trump is not just a matter of institutional independence but a direct obstacle to economic growth and national strategy. He claimed that Trump’s policies—particularly on trade and manufacturing—require a supportive monetary environment, while Powell’s reluctance to align with them undermines America’s long-term competitiveness.
undermines America’s long-term competitiveness.
Navarro painted Powell as part of an entrenched establishment unwilling to adapt to Trump’s more aggressive economic vision, warning that such defiance could have global consequences. “When the Federal Reserve stands against a president committed to reshaping trade and reviving industry, it doesn’t just challenge a policy—it challenges the will of the American people,” Navarro reportedly said.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment, with financial markets already navigating uncertainty around interest rates, inflation, and global trade disputes. Powell, known for his cautious and data-driven approach, has repeatedly emphasized the Fed’s independence, insisting that monetary policy cannot be swayed by political pressure.
Navarro’s comments, however, suggest that Trump allies see Powell’s stance as more than neutrality—they view it as active resistance to Trump’s agenda. This clash highlights the enduring struggle between political power and central bank autonomy, a conflict that could shape both U.S. markets and international investor sentiment in the months ahead.