Trump: Fed Should Have 'At Least Doubled' Latest Rate Cut

Former President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Federal Reserve's most recent interest rate cut during a White House meeting with senior business leaders, arguing the measure was too modest. Speaking alongside executives including Dell CEO Michael Dell and the heads of Qualcomm and HP, Trump said policymakers should have gone further — suggesting the Fed could have "at least doubled" the size of the reduction.

Trump framed his comments as a pro-growth stance, contending that a larger cut would better support businesses and the broader economy. While he did not outline a specific rate target or offer a new monetary policy blueprint, his remarks underscored ongoing political scrutiny of the central bank's balance between fighting inflation and supporting growth.

Economists and market participants often stress that rate-setting is data-driven and intended to be independent of political pressure. The Fed's decisions typically reflect a range of indicators including inflation trends, employment data, and financial stability concerns. A larger, more rapid easing cycle can stimulate borrowing and investment but also risks reigniting inflationary pressures if timed or sized inappropriately.

For corporate leaders attending the White House meeting, the conversation likely reflected immediate concerns about borrowing costs, capital investment, and consumer demand. Technology executives, in particular, have watched monetary policy closely as interest rates influence equity valuations, financing conditions for expansion and acquisitions, and consumer purchasing power for higher-ticket goods.

Trump's comments add to a broader public debate over the appropriate pace and scale of monetary easing. Policymakers at the Fed will weigh such public commentary against incoming economic data and the central bank's dual mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability. Market reactions to rate decisions can be swift; traders and investors will monitor subsequent Fed communications — including official statements and economic projections — for signals about future moves.

This account is based on remarks reported by CNBC during the meeting at the White House and reflects Trump’s perspective on the Fed’s recent decision rather than an independent assessment of central bank policy.