Trump Pressures Fed Chair Kashkari on Interest Rate Cuts

By AJP Posted : July 3, 2026, 13:28 Updated : July 3, 2026, 13:28
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Washi [Photo=Reuters]
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, is pressuring the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates while defending Chair Kevin Washi and seemingly shifting responsibility to the Fed's board.

In a CNBC interview on July 2, Trump described the Fed board as having a "somewhat hostile" attitude and suggested that they seem to be making poor decisions.

He praised Washi as a "great person" but emphasized that he needs to do what is necessary.

This approach marks a departure from Trump's previous public pressure on former Chair Jerome Powell. It appears to be an attempt to deflect blame toward the Fed board if rate cuts do not occur as he desires.

Trump's comments came shortly after the U.S. reported that non-farm payroll growth in June fell significantly short of market expectations. This slowdown in job growth adds pressure on Trump, who needs to highlight economic achievements ahead of the midterm elections.

Trump also criticized the Fed for being overly concerned about inflation, stating, "Economic growth does not necessarily lead to rising prices," expressing dissatisfaction with the Fed's cautious monetary policy stance.

He reiterated his intention to pursue the dismissal of Fed board member Lisa Cook. Previously, the Supreme Court allowed Cook to remain in her position while she contests her dismissal in court. Trump indicated he would seek to reinforce the process for her removal.



* This article has been translated by AI.

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