More top Fed officials are coming out in support of rate cuts next month. Here's what they're saying.
More Federal Reserve officials are expressing support for interest rate cuts next month, following criticism from President Trump regarding the Fed's recent decision to keep rates steady. Fed Governor Christopher Waller and Vice Chair Michelle Bowman have indicated they favor rate reductions to prevent potential job market issues. Trump has called for significant cuts, while Powell defends a cautious approach to maintain inflation stability. The debate continues as some officials align with Trump's views on the need for lower rates.
- The Fed kept rates steady last week, inviting more criticism from Trump and the administration.
- But since then, a chorus of top officials says they think rate cuts are warranted.
- "If the dirt is out of the air, then I think we should proceed," one official said this week.
The Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates steady last week, drawing ire from the president and administration officials — but this week, more central bankers appear to be on the same page as Donald Trump.
Trump, who had repeatedly called for interest rate cuts, took to Truth Social to air his displeasure with the Fed's decision.
"We will be paying for his incompetence for many years to come," he stated, adding that he believes rates should be "at least two to three points lower." Vice President JD Vance has also joined the debate, accusing the Fed of "monetary malpractice" by not cutting.
Powell appeared before Congress for testimony on Tuesday, defending the Fed's cautious approach.
"The FOMC's obligation is to keep longer-term inflation expectations well anchored and to prevent a one-time increase in the price level from becoming an ongoing inflation problem. As we act to meet that obligation, we will balance our maximum-employment and price-stability mandates."
As Trump clamors for cuts and Powell digs in, a handful of Fed officials have been sounding more dovish.
Here's what three top central bankers are saying about the outlook for rates.
Shortly after the Fed decision, Fed Gov. Christopher Waller said that he believed Powell should consider reducing interest rates next month.
He expressed a different view from Powell, stating that he doesn't believe tariffs pose a substantial impact on inflation but highlighting the possibility of a labor market shutdown.
"I'm all in favor of saying maybe we should start thinking about cutting the policy rate at the next meeting, because we don't want to wait till the job market tanks before we start cutting the policy rate," he added.
Polymarket shows that betting markets see Waller as the top candidate for the next Fed boss, at 31% odds. Others include Trump economic advisor Kevin Hassett, former Fed governor Kevin Warsh, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Michelle Bowman, Vice Chair for Supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, echoed Waller in comments on Monday. stating that she would support cutting interest rates as soon as the July FOMC meeting.
