WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would only consider candidates for Federal Reserve chairman who agree with his views on interest rates.

In a lengthy statement on Truth Social reacting to new economic data and market performance, Trump criticized the Federal Reserve for raising interest rates during periods of economic strength, arguing that such moves undermine market rallies and economic growth.

"Anybody that disagrees with me will never be the Fed Chairman!" Trump said.

He said he wants a Fed chairman who prioritizes market growth and avoids rate hikes that, in his words, “kill rallies.” Trump argued that strong or even “phenomenal” markets do not cause inflation, adding that inflationary pressures could be addressed later if necessary.

"I want my new Fed Chairman to lower Interest Rates if the Market is doing well, not destroy the Market for no reason whatsoever," he said.

Trump has for months urged the Fed to cut interest rates and said selecting a successor to Jerome Powell, whose term as Fed chair expires in May 2026, would give him his biggest opportunity yet to reshape the institution.

He has repeatedly criticized Powell as overly hesitant and timid on rate cuts, and has suggested he expects his replacement to move more aggressively to lower rates.