In yet another sharp escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump took direct aim at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stating on record that if he wants Powell out, “he will be out of there real fast.” The remark came during a fiery media interaction, where Trump doubled down on his criticism of the Fed’s interest rate policy.
🎥 Reporter: “Jerome Powell says he won’t leave even if you ask him to.”
🎙️ President Trump:
“Oh, he’ll leave. If I ask him to, he’ll be out of there. I don’t think he’s doing the job. I’m not happy with him. If I want him out, he will be out of there real fast. Believe me.”
Reporter: "Jerome Powell says he won't leave even if you ask him to."
President Trump: "Oh, he'll leave. If I ask him to, he'll be out of there. I don't think he's doing the job. I'm not happy with him. If I want him out, he will be out of there real fast. Believe me." pic.twitter.com/DWihANMp31
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) April 17, 2025
The exchange came hours after Trump’s Truth Social post where he slammed Powell for being “too late and wrong” and insisted that the Federal Reserve should have already cut interest rates, just like the European Central Bank, which is set to lower rates for the seventh time.
Trump’s aggressive stance has reignited debate over whether a U.S. President can legally fire the Fed Chair. Powell had previously stated that it’s “not permitted under the law” for a president to remove a Federal Reserve Board member without cause.
Powell’s term as Chair runs through May 2026. While Trump earlier hinted he would let Powell complete his tenure if he “did the right thing,” today’s remarks signal a more confrontational approach — especially as Trump seeks re-election with economic policy front and center.
Watch the full exchange above as Trump hints at removing one of the most powerful economic figures in the country.
