Trump Denies Plans to Fire Powell After Conflicting Reports

President Donald Trump dismissed rumors on Wednesday that he plans to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling it “highly unlikely.” 

The Details: Speculation arose this week that Trump may fire Powell following a private meeting with lawmakers, during which Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Powell’s performance and raised the idea of firing him. The president later said that he had asked lawmakers about the possibility of firing Powell and the majority were in favor. Trump said he never rules anything out but would likely not fire Powell unless there was evidence of fraud. 

For Context: Trump’s relationship with Powell has been tense for months, primarily due to Powell’s decision not to lower interest rates. The president also expressed dissatisfaction with a $2.5 billion renovation plan at the Federal Reserve building. 

How The Media Covered It: Outlets on the left often emphasized Trump’s supposed shift in stance on Powell, while outlets on the right emphasized Trump’s denial of plans to fire him. CNN (Lean Left bias) and Washington Examiner (Lean Right) agreed on potential global financial implications of Powell’s dismissal; however, while CNN portrayed a picture of Trump actively considering firing Powell, The Examiner and The Wall Street Journal (Center) emphasized Trump’s denial of such plans. 

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