特朗普提前“清算”鲍威尔

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing conflict between former President Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has escalated, raising concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and the potential implications for monetary policy and consumer credit markets [1][2][3]. Group 1: Investigation and Political Pressure - Federal prosecutors are investigating Powell, focusing on his public statements and expenditure records, which have been approved by Trump's allies [2]. - Powell has faced criticism from Trump for refusing to lower interest rates, and Trump has indicated he will soon announce a successor to Powell [2][7]. - Powell claims the investigation is a political maneuver aimed at exerting pressure on him regarding interest rate decisions, emphasizing the need for the Federal Reserve to operate free from political influence [2][3]. Group 2: Administrative Interventions in Interest Rates - Trump has taken steps to directly influence interest rates, including instructing government-sponsored enterprises to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities, viewed as a form of "quantitative easing" [4][5]. - He has also proposed capping credit card interest rates at 10% starting January 20, 2026, which is seen as an attempt to bypass the Federal Reserve [5]. - Analysts suggest that these actions may have limited short-term financial impact but could significantly alter market perceptions and the valuation framework for mortgage-backed securities [5]. Group 3: Economic Implications and Market Reactions - Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager, warns that artificially lowering interest rates could lead banks to withdraw credit card services, pushing consumers towards unregulated lending markets with worse terms [1][5]. - The potential for increased inflation due to political pressure on the Federal Reserve raises concerns about long-term economic stability and the impact on future elections for the Republican Party [6]. - Powell's commitment to maintaining the Federal Reserve's independence is crucial for achieving price stability and managing inflation, which is a significant concern for the public [6][3].