Key Points

Trump dismissed a WSJ report claiming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned him against firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. He asserted his superior market knowledge, crediting himself for record highs. Legal experts argue Trump lacks direct authority to remove Powell, sparking Wall Street concerns. Meanwhile, Trump filed a defamation lawsuit against WSJ over an Epstein-related story.

Key Points: Trump Denies WSJ Report on Firing Fed Chair Powell

  • Trump denies WSJ report on Treasury warning about firing Powell
  • Claims market success as proof of his financial acumen
  • Legal experts say he lacks authority to remove Fed chair
  • Trump sues WSJ over defamation tied to Epstein story
2 min read

Trump slams another WSJ report, denies being warned against firing Fed chief Powell

Trump refutes WSJ claim that Treasury Secretary warned him against firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, asserting his market expertise.

"Nobody had to explain that to me. I know better than anybody what's good for the Market. - Donald Trump"

Washington, July 21

US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report that claimed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had tried to stop him from firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, The Hill reported.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump called the story "typically untruthful" and said no one had to explain to him what impact firing Powell would have on financial markets.

"The Wall Street Journal ran a typically untruthful story today by saying that Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, explained to me that firing Jerome 'Too Late' Powell, the Worst Federal Reserve Chairman in History, would be bad for the Market," Trump wrote.

"Nobody had to explain that to me. I know better than anybody what's good for the Market, and what's good for the U.S.A," he added. "If it weren't for me, the Market wouldn't be at Record Highs right now, it probably would have CRASHED! So, get your information CORRECT. People don't explain to me, I explain to them!"

According to The Hill, Trump has been pushing to remove Powell over his handling of interest rates. However, legal experts believe the president does not have the direct authority to fire the Fed chair. News of Trump's efforts to do so has reportedly caused concern on Wall Street.

The Federal Reserve, when contacted, said it had "nothing to share" on the matter, The Hill reported.

Meanwhile, Trump has also filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. The legal action comes after the newspaper published a story that included a birthday message Trump had allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019.

The message, reportedly typed inside the outline of a naked woman and signed by Trump, said, "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday -- and may every day be another wonderful secret," according to The Hill.

In the lawsuit, Trump claimed that the report had caused him "overwhelming financial and reputational harm" and demanded billions of dollars in damages.

"Defendants concocted this story to malign President Trump's character and integrity and deceptively portray him in a false light," the lawsuit said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Shreya B
As an economics student, I'm concerned about how this instability affects global markets. The Fed's decisions impact our rupee value and exports. Trump should think beyond his ego - the world economy isn't a reality show!
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Aman W
Honestly, Trump vs WSJ is getting boring now. In India, we have real issues to worry about - inflation, unemployment. Why should we care about American political drama? Focus on our own problems first.
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Priyanka N
The defamation lawsuit part is concerning. If powerful people start suing media for billions, it sets bad precedent for press freedom globally. Our Indian media already faces enough pressure without copying such tactics.
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Karan T
Trump saying "I know better than anybody" reminds me of our netas who think they're experts on everything from cricket to rocket science! 🤦‍♂️ At least our RBI governor gets some respect, no matter which party is in power.
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Nisha Z
The Epstein connection is disturbing. We Indians value family and women's safety. If any of our leaders were linked to such people, there would be massive protests. Why do Americans tolerate this behavior?

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