Ro Khanna Defends Fed Independence, Blames Trump’s Tariffs for High Interest Rates

Representative Ro Khanna spoke out in defense of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, warning that political threats against independent agencies undermine the rule of law and U.S. economic stability. Khanna blamed President Trump’s tariff policies for keeping inflation pressures elevated, arguing that Powell would have lowered interest rates earlier if not for higher costs tied to trade policy. He said undermining the Fed’s independence risks weakening America’s standing as the world’s leading economic power.