Outgoing U.S. Federal Reserve chair Powell delivers defense of Fed independence

Outgoing U.S. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell on Sunday (May 31, 2026) delivered a staunch defense of the need for the central bank to maintain independence and credibility, as it comes under assault from President Donald Trump.

“Like many other institutions, the Fed has been undergoing a stress test,” he said as he accepted an award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

“If any administration finds a way to remove Fed officials over policy differences, then future administrations will do so as well,” Mr. Powell said, in a barely veiled reference to the Trump administration’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook.

“The public would lose faith that the central bank will make decisions based only on what’s best for all Americans.”

In his second term in power, Mr. Trump has frequently criticized and insulted Mr. Powell, alleging he was too slow to lower interest rates.

Mr. Trump’s Justice Department went so far as to pursue criminal charges against the Fed chair over a building renovation project. The probe was eventually dropped to smooth the path towards Mr. Powell’s successor being confirmed by the Senate.

Separately, Mr. Trump also sought to remove Ms. Cook over mortgage fraud allegations. The Supreme Court is due to rule on the legality of the move.

“Our credibility has been built and sustained over many decades, and we have a duty to safeguard that priceless asset for our fellow citizens and for generations to come,” said Mr. Powell.

The former Fed chair received the John F. Kennedy Profile In Courage Award “for protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve,” the foundation said.

Mr. Powell stepped down as chair at the end of his term earlier this month, and has been succeeded by Mr. Trump nominee Kevin Warsh.

In an unusual move for outgoing Fed chiefs, Mr. Powell chose to remain on the board for the remainder of his term as a governor, which ends in 2028. He did so citing threats to the Fed’s independence, and promised to keep a “low profile.”

Mr. Trump has welcomed Mr. Warsh’s taking over the Fed — after a protracted and divisive Senate confirmation process — and hosted a lavish ceremony at the White House for his swearing-in.

“The renewal and change is good, and I think we are going to see a new sheriff in town,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday (May 29, 2026).

Also given the award on Sunday (May 31, 2026) were “The People of the Twin Cities of Minnesota,” in recognition of “risking their lives to protect their neighbors and immigrant community members from an unprecedented federal law enforcement operation,” the foundation said.

Mr. Trump ordered a massive surge of immigration enforcement operations in the “twin cities” of St Paul and Minneapolis earlier this year, resulting in widespread demonstrations and the killings of at least two U.S. citizen protesters and one migrant.