French Finance Minister Warns Against Firing Jerome Powell
French Finance Minister Eric Lombard has issued a sharp warning over the potential dismissal of U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. In an interview with *La Tribune Dimanche*, Lombard stated that firing Powell would seriously undermine the credibility of the U.S. dollar and risk destabilizing the American economy.
The warning comes amid rising tension between former President Donald Trump and Powell. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates and has hinted at the possibility of removing him before the end of his term in 2026. White House adviser Kevin Hassett recently confirmed that Trump is exploring legal avenues to do so.
Lombard cautioned that such a move would signal political interference in monetary policy, leading to higher borrowing costs and long-term economic instability. “It would damage global trust in the U.S. dollar,” he said, adding that it could force urgent international discussions to address financial risks.
Financial analysts also note that markets are on edge, with fears that Powell’s removal could trigger unpredictable volatility, similar to past trade war shocks.
Lombard's remarks highlight growing international concern over political pressure on central banks and its impact on global economic stability.