Trump Says He Won’t Fire Powell, But ‘May Have to Force Something’ on Rates

President Donald Trump has ratcheted up his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Speaking at a June 12 White House event, the president demanded again that the U.S. central bank chief lower interest rates. He projected that reducing rates by two percentage points would save the United States $600 billion annually. “But we can’t get this guy to do it,” Trump said. The president reiterated his position that he would be fine with the Fed raising interest rates if inflation were rising. “But it’s down … and I may have to force something.” He also confirmed again that he will not fire the Fed chief....