The US President has attacked the head of the country’s central bank again, a day after the Federal Reserve voted to keep its key lending rate steady for the fifth month in a row.
Donald Trump described Jerome Powell as being “too stupid” to be the bank’s chairman.
“Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell has done it again!” Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
In announcing its decision, the Federal Reserve cited a moderation in economic activity in the first half of the year and “solid” labour market conditions.
It warned, however, that “uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated” while inflation is somewhat heightened.
With Mr Trump’s sweeping tariffs on US trade partners raising uncertainty about the future, Mr Powell told a press conference that “we’re still a ways away from seeing where things settle down”.
“He is TOO LATE, and actually, TOO ANGRY, TOO STUPID, & TOO POLITICAL, to have the job of Fed Chair,” the president responded.
Watch: Trump and Powell sparred over Fed renovation costs last week
Mr Trump’s repeated attacks over the rate decision have fuelled speculation that he may attempt to fire Mr Powell or pressure him to resign early.
His term as Federal Reserve chair ends next May.
Mr Powell has defended the independence of the central bank as having “served the public well”.
