Trump Plans Fed Chairman Meeting Thursday on Rate Policy

Trump will visit the Federal Reserve’s headquarters on Thursday to discuss monetary policy with Fed leadership. The White House said the president intends to address the impact of interest rates on small businesses and consumer borrowing costs.

During the meeting, Trump is expected to reiterate his criticism of the Fed’s recent rate decisions, which he argues have affected economic growth and stock market performance. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Trump “wants to engage directly with the Fed to understand their outlook and urge actions that support continued economic expansion.”

The visit comes after Trump’s renewed public criticism of Powell, whom he originally nominated during his first presidency. Trump recently complained on social media that “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough.” The president has repeatedly called for changes to Fed policy throughout his current term.

Markets have reacted to Trump’s comments about the Federal Reserve, with Treasury yields and equity futures moving following his public remarks about monetary policy. The Fed currently maintains the federal funds rate in a range that Powell has defended as appropriate for current economic conditions.

The Federal Reserve operates as an independent agency, with governors serving 14-year terms designed to insulate monetary policy from political influence. Powell’s term as Fed Chair runs until May 2026, and he has previously stated his intention to serve the full term regardless of political pressure.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday morning at the Federal Reserve’s Eccles Building in Washington. No formal agenda has been released, though administration officials indicated the discussion will focus on current monetary policy and economic outlook.

The unprecedented White House pressure on Fed independence will likely influence Thursday’s discussions, as both sides navigate the complex relationship between presidential priorities and central bank autonomy. Powell’s response could set the tone for monetary policy debates through 2026.