U.S. President Donald Trump launched a fresh verbal assault on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell this week, reigniting concerns about the independence of the central bank and raising fresh fears among financial markets. “If I want him out, he’ll be out of there real fast, believe me,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. “I’m not happy with him.” Trump’s frustration stems from Powell’s resistance to lowering interest rates despite repeated presidential demands. While the Fed cut rates three times last year, it has since paused, citing economic uncertainty and concerns over inflation—some of which stem from Trump’s own trade and tariff policies. Tariff Policy at Odds With Economic Reality The president’s anger appeared to peak following Powell’s Wednesday speech to the Economic Club of Chicago, in which he warned that tariffs could drive inflation and unemployment, adding that their burden “would be paid by the public.” The