President Donald Trump on Tuesday afternoon said he has “no intention” of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, but he reiterated he wants the central bank to lower interest rates. ... If he doesn’t,

The U.S. president had previously insinuated otherwise as he said he could fire Powell if he wanted to, having been frustrated by the Fed putting a pause on cuts to short-term interest rates.

Trump lashed out at Powell on Friday and said he could fire him if he wanted, though it would likely touch off a legal battle that could go to the Supreme Court. Powell has said the president lacks the authority to fire him and has made clear he won’t step down until his term ends in May 2026.