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Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stated Wednesday that he has never requested a meeting with any U.S. president and doesn’t plan to. Speaking at a press conference following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, Powell emphasized that any interactions with presidents have been at their request, not his.
“I’ve never asked for a meeting with any president and I never will,” Powell said, reinforcing the Fed's commitment to independence. “There’s never a reason for me to ask for a meeting—it’s always been the other way.”
His comments come amid ongoing political scrutiny of the Fed’s decisions, particularly regarding interest rate policies. The central bank has maintained its benchmark rate, balancing inflation control with concerns about economic growth. Powell’s remarks are a clear signal that the Fed remains focused on data-driven policy decisions, not political influence.
By highlighting the nature of his limited engagement with the White House, Powell aimed to reassure markets and the public of the Fed's impartiality. Independence from political pressure is considered crucial to the Federal Reserve’s credibility in managing inflation and maintaining financial stability.
The timing of Powell’s statement is significant as the U.S. enters a heated election season, with economic performance becoming a central campaign issue. The Fed has faced past criticism from both parties, but Powell has consistently maintained that monetary policy decisions are made based on economic indicators, not politics.
His strong stance helps reinforce investor confidence in the central bank’s autonomy and transparency. As economic uncertainty lingers and inflation remains a concern, Powell’s message reaffirms the Fed’s long-standing principle: monetary policy must remain free from political interference.
