President Trump revived his attacks on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell with new threats of a lawsuit over renovations at the central bank’s headquarters and the call for Powell to quit ahead of his term’s expiration.
The Hill reports Trump raised the subject of Powell while taking questions from reporters following a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago estate with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We’re thinking about bringing a suit against Powell for incompetence,” said Trump. “Because think of it, these aren’t outstanding buildings. These are small buildings. It’s gross incompetence against Powell. And it was his baby. And the guy’s just incompetent. There’s nothing you can do about it.”
Trump, who nominated Powell for the central bank leadership during his first term, added that Powell should step down before his chairmanship concludes in May.
“He should resign – it would be a favor to the nation,” Trump said. “I would fire him. I’d love to fire him. But we’re so close, you know. But maybe I still might.”
