While Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested it’s in a “good position” to act decisively if necessary, some economists worry this approach could make the central bank slow to respond to a downturn.  Consumer sentiment has plummeted amid trade policy uncertainty,

President Trump on Thursday criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for holding interest rates steady at the Fed's May 7 meeting, calling him a "fool" for acting "too late" in cutting the central bank's benchmark rate.

Jerome Powell said the Federal Reserve can wait to see which effect from Trump's tariffs is worse - high inflation or a weak economy.