Republican Senators Caution Trump Against Firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell
On July 17, 2025, several Republican senators publicly warned President Donald Trump against attempting to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, emphasising the potential risks to economic stability and the Fed's independence.
This caution comes amid Trump's ongoing criticisms of Powell for high interest rates, which he blames for stifling economic growth. Trump reportedly asked GOP lawmakers during a recent meeting whether he should fire Powell, prompting the backlash.
Key Statements from Republican Senators
Senators from both moderate and conservative wings of the party expressed concerns, highlighting the importance of an independent central bank to maintain market confidence. Even those critical of Powell's policies advised against removal, arguing it could trigger volatility.
Senator | State | Key Quote/Position |
Mike Rounds | South Dakota | "The markets expect an independent, central bank... And if they don't have that, that could be a shock to the system." +2 更多 Rounds doesn't believe Trump would actually fire Powell but sees the rhetoric as pressure for rate cuts. |
Bernie Moreno | Ohio | Called Powell "the most incompetent, worst Federal Reserve chairman in American history" but conceded firing him would be unwise. |
John Kennedy | Louisiana | Noted that firing Powell could disrupt markets, though he argued Trump might have legal grounds if cause is established. |
Other GOP figures, including allies of Trump, echoed these warnings, stating that ousting Powell could send a "shockwave" through the economy, undermine investor trust in U.S. monetary policy, and potentially harm the dollar's global status.
The Wall Street Journal's editorial board also urged Trump not to proceed, reinforcing that he likely lacks the authority and that such a move would be counterproductive.
Trump's Response and Context
Trump has repeatedly criticised Powell, whom he appointed in 2018, for not lowering rates aggressively enough. However, in recent statements, Trump downplayed the possibility of firing him, calling it "highly unlikely" unless for extreme reasons like fraud, while not entirely ruling it out.
Legal experts note that while the president can remove Fed chairs "for cause," this is untested and could lead to lengthy court battles, as the Fed's structure is designed to insulate it from political interference.
Trump has also floated broader ideas like tariffs on countries with low U.S. trade, adding to policy uncertainty.
Markets reacted with initial volatility but stabilised after Trump's clarifications, with stocks rebounding as investors viewed the threat as bluster.
Diverse Viewpoints and Public Discourse
While mainstream Republican voices and financial media advocate caution to preserve stability, some conservative commentators and Trump supporters push for bolder action, viewing the Fed's independence as overstated or problematic. For example:
Former Rep. Ron Paul argued that if laws prevent firing Powell, the Constitution itself questions the Fed's existence, implying systemic reform is needed.
Online discussions on X include calls to fire Powell outright, with users like @wendyp4545 suggesting Congress could change laws to enable removal, framing it as defiant toward Trump.
Critics like @RichardAngwin highlighted Powell's stance as a check on Trump, warning of economic crashes if independence is eroded.
Supporters such as @Arkypatriot accused Powell of arrogance and advocated for replacements like Ron Paul.
This split underscores broader debates: Pro-firing arguments often prioritise aligning monetary policy with executive goals like rapid growth, even if it risks inflation or instability, claims some economists substantiate as valid critiques of prolonged high rates. However, the consensus among senators and experts leans against it, citing historical evidence that independent central banks correlate with lower long-term inflation and stronger economies. However, establishment views could bias this.
Overall, the cautions reflect a pragmatic GOP effort to temper Trump's instincts, prioritising market calm over immediate confrontation with the Fed. If pursued, it could escalate into a constitutional test with global repercussions.