Trump Calls Jerome Powell a “Disaster” Over High Interest Rates

President Donald Trump posted a meme of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell falling into a dumpster on Truth Social, renewing his attack on the central banker over interest rates.

The post arrived days before Powell’s expected final Federal Open Market Committee meeting as Fed chair.

The accompanying caption read “Too Late is a DISASTER for America. Interest Rates too high!”

Trump’s “Too Late” Attack Returns With New Imagery

Trump has called Powell “Too Late” for years. He argues the chair waited too long to cut rates and now moves too slowly to lower them further. The latest adds direct visual mockery to that campaign.

It shows Powell mid-fall into an open dumpster stuffed with paper. The president has called repeatedly for sharply lower borrowing costs. He argues lower rates would ease consumer pressure and accelerate growth.

Powell has held rates higher for longer, pointing to inflation concerns. Trump previously threatened to remove Powell from his post. Legal advisers warned the move would face challenges in court. His push to reshape Fed leadership has moved beyond rhetoric.

The administration is filling vacant Fed governor seats with allies. The picks align closely with the White House’s rate-cutting agenda.

Markets Brace for Powell’s Final FOMC

The renewed attack arrives as crypto traders position for Powell’s last FOMC. Bitcoin (BTC) and major altcoins have shown signs of de-risking. Traders are cutting leverage and trimming exposure to high-beta assets. Open interest data suggests positioning has turned more cautious.

Beyond monetary policy, the White House has been aggressive on multiple fronts in recent weeks. Recent steps include new tariffs on European-built vehicles and added measures targeting Iran.

The administration has also tightened oversight of artificial intelligence. Federal review of new AI models is now required before public release. The combination of monetary, trade, and technology policy shifts has kept volatility elevated across risk markets.

The Fed’s next move now sits at the center of trader attention. With Powell’s term as chair winding down, the meme post sharpens an already public clash between the White House and the Fed.

Whether the next chair takes a markedly different approach to rates may shape risk asset positioning for the rest of the year. For now, traders are watching every signal from both Pennsylvania Avenue and the Eccles Building.