Trump threatens to fire Jerome Powell 'real fast' despite legal limits: 'If I want him out, he'll be out'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, insisting he could fire Powell “real fast” despite legal limitations on Thursday, April 16.

The latest outburst came after Powell defended the Fed’s independence and criticized aspects of Trump’s trade policy. Trump retaliated on Truth Social, calling Powell “Too Late Jerome Powell” and slamming him for not slashing interest rates like the European Central Bank.

Donald Trump threatens to fire Jerome Powell

On Wednesday, April 16, Jerome Powell made it clear that the Federal Reserve stands firm in its independence, stating, “We’re never going to be influenced by any political pressure.”

Trump didn’t hold back on social media, slamming Jerome Powell with a new nickname—“Too Late Jerome Powell,” and accusing him of consistently lagging. “He’s always TOO LATE AND WRONG,” Trump wrote.

“Oil prices are down, groceries (even eggs!) are down, and the USA is getting RICH ON TARIFFS,” Trump wrote. “Too Late should have lowered Interest Rates, like the ECB, long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!”

When asked during a Q&A about Powell’s recent statement that he would not quit if asked, Trump responded, “Oh, he’ll leave. If I ask him to, he’ll be out of there. But I don’t think he’s doing the job, he’s too late, always too late, a little slow, and I’m not happy with him. I let him know it, and, oh, if I want him out, he’d be out of there real fast. Believe me.”

Despite Trump’s tough talk, Powell isn’t backing down. He’s made it clear that the president can’t just fire him on a whim—there has to be legitimate cause.

According to current law, a sitting president cannot dismiss the Fed chair without cause, such as misconduct or dereliction of duty. Legal scholars and Fed officials maintain that criticism over policy decisions does not meet that bar.

Powell added with a jab of his own, “We are blessed with a large number of amply compensated critics.”

Internet reacts with doubt and mockery as Donald Trump renews push to oust Jerome Powell

President Donald Trump’s latest remarks reviving his call to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell have stirred a fresh wave of backlash online.

“Trump can't make Powell leave and he knows it,” one user noted.

Another added, “If he says 'termination can't come fast enough' that would mean he had the power to remove Powell immediately. He hasn't done that, which means he can't. And he just said prices and inflation are down and money is 'rolling in' from tariffs. So, what's his problem?”

Users also pointed out, “Powell’s term is up on 2026. Trump will just wait it out.”

Concerns about economic stability came to the forefront with one user saying, “Trump knows that it will be the total collapse of the American economy. The lack of trust of investors will be staggering.”

“Then fire him and quit talking tough. So full of s**t,” one wrote, while another stated, “He would have done it by now if true.”

Another commented, “Powell knew what he was saying, he was daring Trump to fire him.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.