Jerome Powell Fires Back: 10 Sharp Warnings About Trump’s Tariff Strategy

 U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell didn’t mince words during his latest press conference, issuing a string of strong cautions about the dangers of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. While Powell maintained that the U.S. economy remains fundamentally sound, he warned of growing vulnerabilities—largely fueled by trade uncertainty and unpredictable policy decisions.

The Fed opted to keep interest rates unchanged for the fourth straight meeting, but the tone of Powell’s remarks and the updated policy statement revealed a shift toward concern. With indicators of weakening business confidence and the specter of stagflation on the horizon, Powell made it clear that escalating tariffs could threaten the Fed’s core goals: stable prices and full employment.

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most striking warnings Powell delivered in response to Trump’s trade war:

1. Fed Independence Is Non-Negotiable
Powell pushed back hard against Trump’s persistent demands for rate cuts, stating unequivocally that the central bank does not respond to political pressure. “We are always going to do the same thing—use our tools to foster maximum employment and price stability,” Powell said. “That’s all we are going to consider,” emphasizing that outside influence, even from the White House, has “no effect at all” on the Fed’s decisions.