#TrumpVsPowell Got it — you're referring to **Donald Trump vs. Jerome Powell**, especially in the context of their **policy clashes during Trump's presidency**.
Here's a quick breakdown of what went down:
### **Background**
- **Jerome Powell** was appointed by Trump as the **Chairman of the Federal Reserve** in 2018.
- The Fed is meant to be **independent** from politics, with a focus on stable inflation and full employment.
### **The Clash**
Trump and Powell had a **public and tense relationship**, mostly over **interest rate policies**:
#### 1. **Interest Rates**
- Trump wanted **low interest rates** to boost the economy and stock market.
- Powell and the Fed raised rates in **2018** to curb inflation and prevent overheating.
- Trump **repeatedly criticized** Powell, even calling him an "enemy" at one point — comparing him to **President Xi of China**.
#### 2. **Public Pressure**
- Trump broke with presidential norms by **openly pressuring the Fed**, tweeting criticism and demanding rate cuts.
- Powell tried to stay neutral, emphasizing the Fed’s **independence** and data-driven approach.
#### 3. **Rate Cuts & COVID-19**
- Eventually, the Fed did start cutting rates in **2019**, citing slowing global growth and trade tensions — not Trump’s pressure.
- In **2020**, during the COVID-19 crisis, Powell slashed rates to near-zero and launched massive asset purchases — which Trump praised.
### **Legacy of the Clash**
- The Trump-Powell conflict highlighted tensions between **short-term political goals** and **long-term economic stability**.
- It also sparked debates about whether the Fed’s independence was at risk.
Want a timeline, some quotes, or how this impacts Powell’s current role under Biden?