WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a pointed response to recent speculation, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent firmly dismissed media chatter that President Donald Trump plans to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if re-elected.

During a recent interview on what Bessent referred to as “MSDNC,” he pushed back against claims of instability at the central bank under a second Trump term.

“I'm not sure where that question comes from because President Trump has repeatedly said that he's not going to fire Chair Powell,” Bessent stated. “Anyone who goes into public service should expect pressure.”

The remark not only reaffirms Trump’s public commitment to keeping Powell in place, but also reframes the narrative around executive influence over the Federal Reserve. While tensions between Trump and Powell were well-documented during Trump’s first term—particularly over interest rates—Bessent’s comments suggest a more pragmatic tone heading into 2026.

By defending the President's position and underscoring Powell’s job security, Bessent sought to quell market fears and political rumors about potential disruption at the Federal Reserve, a body seen as critical to the U.S. economy's long-term health.

Analysts note that public pressure on the Fed is not unprecedented, but direct interference remains politically and legally constrained. Bessent’s comments appear aimed at reinforcing that Trump’s economic team respects those boundaries, even as they continue to advocate for a pro-growth monetary policy.