Trump Plans Firing Fed Chair Amid Market Uncertainty

President Trump has reignited speculation about potentially firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who has been a source of frustration due to his reluctance to lower interest rates amidst inflation concerns. Despite Trump's initial warm endorsement of Powell in 2017, their relationship has deteriorated, with Trump publicly criticizing Powell and suggesting dismissal, though he later called such a move unlikely unless there was fraud involved. This rhetoric has caused brief market turbulence, including declines in the S&P 500 and the dollar, but investors remain cautious, viewing these signals as potential trial balloons rather than imminent action. The Federal Reserve's independence and legal protections for Powell create significant hurdles to his removal, and economic fundamentals continue to guide interest rate market behavior more than political statements. Public confidence in Powell is low, with a Gallup poll showing only 37% trust him to recommend the right economic policies, reflecting the broader political polarization affecting attitudes toward the Fed chair. The ongoing tension highlights the complex interplay between political power, market reactions, and institutional independence in shaping U.S. monetary policy.