Trump has repeatedly urged the Fed to cut interest rates, and sources say he could fire Powell

Mar 25 - US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates since the last Fed rate resolution. With growing concerns about Trump's trade agenda, Trump is eager for the Fed to accelerate the pace of rate cuts to ease pressure on the economy. In turn, the Fed is preparing for a possible price shock from Trump's tariffs, which would delay any rate cuts, even if the economy weakens. So far, Trump's irritation with the Fed has been mild. Although he has been slamming the Fed after it paused to cut rates last Thursday, he has yet to issue a direct threat. Trump has taken radical steps to tighten his grip on government and reshape it to his political will. A source close to the White House said it was possible that Trump would try to fire Powell. ‘I don't think Powell will leave voluntarily, and Trump may try to fire him, but I also think Powell is secure enough and impressive enough that he won't leave voluntarily,’ the source said. Asked whether the administration believes it has the authority to fire Fed officials (after firing two Federal Trade Commission commissioners) and whether Trump still plans to let Powell finish out his term, the White House said there was no new statement.