Jerome Powell Says Trump Can’t Fire Him. That Might Change

Trump has a long record of criticizing Jerome Powell, but recent firings at the FTC are raising concern that the Fed’s independence may be in jeopardy.

Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg
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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has been crystal clear about whether President Donald Trump can fire him. “Not permitted under the law,” he said — twice — when asked in November.

Powell, who’s had the job since 2018, may soon find out if he was right.