Public Opinion Tilts Toward the Fed as Trump’s Pressure on Powell Faces Resistance
President Donald Trump’s outspoken criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has fueled discussion regarding the Fed’s independence. Recent public opinion research suggests that most Americans disagree with the president’s call to decrease interest rates to boost economic development.
Polling analysis by CNN data expert Harry Enten suggests President Trump is struggling to get public support in his Federal Reserve dispute. The Justice Department’s unusual criminal investigation of Powell, a Fed chair, has heightened interest in the subject. This has alarmed economists, politicians, and voters who value central bank independence for economic stability.
Public opinion is obvious. In a September CBS News poll of 2,385 U.S. adults, nearly 70% said the Federal Reserve should be independent from the president. Three-quarters of independents and a significant portion of Republican voters support political-free monetary policy decisions. About one-third of Americans think the Fed should heed Trump’s advice.
These data reveal a major presidential challenge. Even within his political base, many believe the Fed must remain independent to defend the economy. Analysts say this hurts Trump and reduces public support for his repeated criticism of Powell over interest rate choices.
Powell, who Trump selected in 2017, has cautioned that White House pressure and threats might undermine central bank credibility. In order to prioritize long-term economic health over short-term political ambitions, the Federal Reserve is politically independent.
Public approval ratings emphasize this difference. Recent Gallup data suggests Powell has greater job approval than the POTUS. Powell received 44% approval for his Fed chairship in a December poll, while Trump received 36%. Powell may not be popular, but Americans trust him more than the president to manage economic policy.
Many voters care more about defending institutions than persons. For inflation control, market confidence, and government intervention in financial decisions, the Federal Reserve’s independence is crucial. As this topic unfolds, public opinion suggests Americans value stability and institutional integrity over political influence.
The research suggests that most people are not buying the president’s Fed campaign at a time when economic uncertainty worries consumers and companies. Instead, trust appears to be tilting toward the central bank and its leadership, presenting a political dilemma for the White House as monetary policy debates continue.
Sources:
Federal Reserve
U.S. Department of Justice
Gallup
CBS News
