During an economic forum in Washington, DC, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expressed deep concern over the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Powell described the incident as a tragic event for the nation, emphasizing that political violence has no place in society.
The attack took place at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman opened fire, injuring the former president and two attendees while fatally wounding an audience member. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for unity.
Powell, who was appointed as Fed chair in 2017 by Trump and later reappointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, has been a vocal advocate for the independence and apolitical nature of the Federal Reserve. Despite facing criticism from Trump, Powell has maintained that the central bank operates without political bias.
Trump's recent comments suggesting that the Fed's interest rate decisions are influenced by partisan motives have been refuted by Powell, who reiterated the Fed's commitment to making policy decisions based on economic data and analysis.
While Powell's tenure as Fed chair is set to end, with Trump indicating he will not nominate him for a third term, the focus remains on addressing the broader issue of political violence and ensuring the safety and security of public figures.