Trump Quips He’ll Fire Bessent If Interest Rates Not Lowered (1)

Nov. 19, 2025, 7:17 PM UTC

President Donald Trump suggested he would fire Scott Bessent if the Treasury secretary doesn’t help secure lower interest rates, expressing ongoing frustration with the Federal Reserve’s reluctance to cut rates more quickly.

Trump’s remarks — made in a joking tone — come amid increased pressure on the administration from voters to lower the cost of living. The US central bank is responsible for setting short-term rates that influence borrowing costs across the economy.

“The only thing Scott’s blowing it on is the Fed,” Trump said Wednesday at a US-Saudi investment event in Washington. “Rates are too high, Scott, and ...

Learn more about Bloomberg Law or Log In to keep reading:

See Breaking News in Context

Bloomberg Law provides trusted coverage of current events enhanced with legal analysis.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools and resources.