Gildas Omont
Trump vs. Powell: A Political War at the Fed Why is Trump relentlessly targeting Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, just months before the end of his term? With only four months left in Jerome Powell’s term at the helm of the Federal Reserve, Donald Trump is ramping up the pressure. A criminal investigation has been opened against Powell, accusing him of misconduct related to the renovation of the Fed’s headquarters and of potential perjury before Congress. Powell has denounced the probe as a political maneuver aimed at influencing the Fed and forcing interest rate cuts—one of Trump’s long-standing obsessions. Trump denies any involvement, but his administration, with a Justice Department seen as closely aligned with him, is clearly seeking to push Powell toward resignation. Yet Powell will remain a Fed governor until 2028 and may well stand his ground, especially given his strong public and political support. Some Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, have even refused to confirm new Fed nominations until the issue is resolved. The attack on Powell is already rattling markets: gold has surged to new record highs, reflecting growing distrust in monetary stability. The Federal Reserve, a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, is seeing its independence threatened by unprecedented political interference. Trump wants to replace Powell before May, but resistance is building. This battle goes far beyond politics—it strikes at the very credibility of the Fed. One to watch closely, as the consequences for financial markets could be significant. $SPX500 $NSDQ100 $DJ30 $USDOLLAR $IEF (iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF)
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