President Donald Trump launched his first attack on the Federal Reserve on Thursday, saying he will apply pressure to lower interest rates.
Addressing a gathering of global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the new president did not name the Fed in a sweeping policy speech, but made clear he would seek lower rates.
“I will demand that interest rates be lowered immediately,” Trump said. “And just like that, they should fall all over the world. Interest rates should follow us everywhere.”
The comments represent an initial attack on Fed officials, with whom he had a highly contentious relationship during his first term in office. He frequently criticized Chairman Jerome Powell, who was appointed by Trump, on occasion calling policymakers “unstable” and comparing Powell to a golfer who can’t play.
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