Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Trump Threatens Firing Bessent Over Powell's 'Mental Problems'
President Trump said he might fire his Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, if Bessent can't make the Fed Chair, Jerome Powell, lower interest rates faster.
Trump thinks Powell has 'mental problems' because he's not cutting rates as quickly as Trump wants.
Bessent is looking for the next Fed Chair, and Trump wants to meet the top candidates in December.
Trump threatened to fire Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent if he doesn't 'fix' Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Trump criticized Powell's 'mental problems' and slow rate cuts during a US-Saudi investment event
Bessent does not control interest rates, but Trump pressured him to influence Powell
Bessent is leading the search for the next Fed Chair, with interviews underway
- Who
- President Donald Trump, Scott Bessent (Treasury Secretary), Jerome Powell (Fed Chair)
- What
- Trump threatening to fire Bessent over Powell's slow rate cuts
- When
- November 19, 2025, during a US-Saudi investment event
- Where
- Washington DC
- Why
- Trump wants faster interest rate cuts to boost economic growth
Trump's View
Fed Independence Advocates
Powell's Mental State
Trump's View
Trump believes Powell has 'mental problems' for not cutting rates faster
Fed Independence Advocates
Fed independence advocates argue that Trump's comments undermine the Fed's independence and politicize monetary policy
Next Chair's Role
Trump's View
Trump wants the next chair to lower interest rates
Fed Independence Advocates
Fed independence advocates want the next chair to maintain the Fed's independence and focus on long-term economic stability
- Next Fed Chair's term start date
- February 2026
- Candidates under consideration
- Christopher Waller, Michelle Bowman, Kevin Warsh, Kevin Hassett, Rick Rieder
