According to a Wall Street Journal report, former U.S. President Trump has been secretly working for months to remove Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Trump is said to have already lined up a potential replacement — and is determined to take action before Powell’s term ends.
✔ Behind Closed Doors: Trump’s Secret Plan
◾ Trump has been meeting privately since late 2023 to discuss firing Powell
◾ He even consulted former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh about replacing Powell
◾ Warsh advised against firing Powell, but discussions continued until March 2024
◾ Trump claimed he has the power to oust Powell anytime: “If I wanted him out, he would be out very quickly”
✔ Why Trump Wants Powell Out
◾ Trump has expressed frustration that Powell didn’t cut interest rates faster
◾ He accuses Powell of “playing politics” ahead of the 2024 election
◾ Trump posted on Truth Social: “Powell’s ouster can’t come fast enough!”
✔ Can Trump Actually Fire Powell?
◾ Legally, the Fed Chair can only be removed for “good cause”, such as misconduct
◾ No president has attempted to fire a Fed Chair over policy disagreements
◾ If Trump proceeds, the case may reach the Supreme Court
◾ This legal challenge could shake financial markets and undermine U.S. credibility
✔ Inside the White House: Split Opinions
◾ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is actively opposing the plan
◾ Bessent believes firing Powell would bring economic instability
◾ He has called the Fed’s independence a “jewel box” that should be preserved
◾ The White House may begin reviewing potential candidates for Fed Chair by Fall 2025
✔ What’s at Stake for the Markets?
◾ Investors may worry that removing Powell could undermine the Fed’s independence
◾ This could lead to rising long-term bond yields and market volatility
◾ Experts warn it could trigger a longer recession and loss of confidence
“This could seriously destabilize markets,” – Citigroup's Chief Economist
✔ Will Powell Fight Back?
◾ Powell has already said he would challenge any removal in court
◾ The Fed’s internal committee could re-elect Powell to protect his role
◾ Legal delays could keep Powell in power, outlasting any attempts to remove him
✔ The Legal Battle Ahead
◾ Trump wants to overturn a 1935 legal precedent that protects officials like Powell
◾ If the precedent is overturned, it could weaken the Fed’s independence and expose it to political pressure
◾ Bloomberg warns that this would make the U.S. the only G7 nation with reduced central bank independence
✔ Global Reactions & Warnings
“Even dictators try to keep their central banks independent to attract capital.” – Senator Elizabeth Warren
“Removing Powell would destroy confidence in U.S. markets.” – Bloomberg Economics
“Trump’s free speech doesn’t mean he can fire the Fed Chair.” – U.S. Lawmakers
Summary:
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump is preparing a legal and political battle to remove Fed Chair Powell. While Trump’s team is divided, this potential action could severely impact the economy and global financial stability.
#TrumpVsPowell
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