In a shocking statement, President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will not fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell despite the fact that the duo has bumped heads consistently.
While touring the renovation of the Federal Reserve headquarters near the White House, Trump and Powell made headlines after the two appeared to disagree on specific figures concerning the renovation.
Trump has often criticized Powell and has called for him to step down.
“Mr. President, as a real estate developer, how would you deal with a project manager who is over budget?” a reporter asked the president.
“Generally speaking, what would I do? I’d fire them,” Trump replied.
“I don’t want to be personal,” he went on. “I just would like to see it get finished.”
Upon completing a tour of the site, Trump once again approached the media and was asked whether Powell should be terminated from his position.
“That is a big move, and I just don’t think it’s necessary. And I believe that he’s going to do the right thing,” Trump said.
As the New York Post pointed out, Trump’s remarks come after the president urged Powell to resign for refusing to lower interest rates.
The president said