Wall Street's Unwavering Support for Powell as Trump's Attacks on Fed Independence Gain Steam
The banking elite has collectively expressed its backing for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, following a recent escalation of attacks from President Donald Trump on the central bank's independence. CEOs from top Wall Street firms such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have publicly rallied around Powell, warning that any interference with his leadership could undermine the foundation of the US economy.
Their unified stance is a stark contrast to the President's aggressive push for faster interest rate cuts, which he has framed as a means to boost economic growth. However, the CEOs see the Fed's autonomy as crucial to maintaining an economy that is resilient and not susceptible to short-term political pressures.
"This is where everyone we know believes in Fed independence," said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. "Anything that chips away at that is probably not a great idea, and in my view will have the reverse consequences." Dimon's statement comes as he has previously sought to maintain a cordial relationship with Trump.
Dimon was among several high-profile banking leaders who publicly condemned Trump's attempts to undermine Powell's authority. These executives, who have traditionally sought to build relationships with the President, have now made it clear that they will not compromise on the issue of Fed independence.
"The loss of Fed independence tends to lead to steeper yield curves and other damage to ongoing economic dynamism," said Jeremy Barnum, JPMorgan's chief financial officer. "It is fair game to offer critical commentary on the Fed's decisions, but it should never come at the cost of undermining their autonomy."
While some executives have walked a fine line in criticizing Powell's policies while maintaining a relationship with Trump, others have taken a more assertive stance. Robin Vince, head of Bank of New York Mellon, described an investigation into the Fed as "counter-productive" and warned that such actions could put the bond market at risk.
The President's escalating attacks on the Fed have been met with fierce resistance from Wall Street leaders, who see Powell as a steadfast guardian of economic stability. More than a dozen former economic officials, including former Fed chairs Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke, recently issued a statement condemning Trump's approach as "akin to how monetary policy is made in emerging markets with weak institutions."
Internationally, central bankers have also rallied around Powell, hailing him for his integrity and commitment to the public interest. The European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Canada, among others, signed a letter expressing their respect and admiration for the Fed Chair.
As tensions between Trump and the Fed continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how long Wall Street will maintain its backing for Powell. However, one thing is clear: the banking elite sees the Fed's autonomy as essential to maintaining an economy that is strong, resilient, and free from short-term political pressures.
The banking elite has collectively expressed its backing for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, following a recent escalation of attacks from President Donald Trump on the central bank's independence. CEOs from top Wall Street firms such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have publicly rallied around Powell, warning that any interference with his leadership could undermine the foundation of the US economy.
Their unified stance is a stark contrast to the President's aggressive push for faster interest rate cuts, which he has framed as a means to boost economic growth. However, the CEOs see the Fed's autonomy as crucial to maintaining an economy that is resilient and not susceptible to short-term political pressures.
"This is where everyone we know believes in Fed independence," said Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase. "Anything that chips away at that is probably not a great idea, and in my view will have the reverse consequences." Dimon's statement comes as he has previously sought to maintain a cordial relationship with Trump.
Dimon was among several high-profile banking leaders who publicly condemned Trump's attempts to undermine Powell's authority. These executives, who have traditionally sought to build relationships with the President, have now made it clear that they will not compromise on the issue of Fed independence.
"The loss of Fed independence tends to lead to steeper yield curves and other damage to ongoing economic dynamism," said Jeremy Barnum, JPMorgan's chief financial officer. "It is fair game to offer critical commentary on the Fed's decisions, but it should never come at the cost of undermining their autonomy."
While some executives have walked a fine line in criticizing Powell's policies while maintaining a relationship with Trump, others have taken a more assertive stance. Robin Vince, head of Bank of New York Mellon, described an investigation into the Fed as "counter-productive" and warned that such actions could put the bond market at risk.
The President's escalating attacks on the Fed have been met with fierce resistance from Wall Street leaders, who see Powell as a steadfast guardian of economic stability. More than a dozen former economic officials, including former Fed chairs Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke, recently issued a statement condemning Trump's approach as "akin to how monetary policy is made in emerging markets with weak institutions."
Internationally, central bankers have also rallied around Powell, hailing him for his integrity and commitment to the public interest. The European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Bank of Canada, among others, signed a letter expressing their respect and admiration for the Fed Chair.
As tensions between Trump and the Fed continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how long Wall Street will maintain its backing for Powell. However, one thing is clear: the banking elite sees the Fed's autonomy as essential to maintaining an economy that is strong, resilient, and free from short-term political pressures.