After three cuts at the end of last year, Federal Reserve officials paused rate moves as they weigh a solid economy and rising inflation risks. Jerome H. Powell, the Fed chair, said the central bank was not on a “pre-set course.

Outside of a U.S. President bending norms, the Fed also faces challenges in achieving its economic objectives. Inflation remains above its 2% target: Its preferred measure is at 2.4%, though core prices — considered a better gauge of where inflation is headed — rose 2.8% in November from a year ago.

Donald Trump said Sunday the Federal Reserve was right to keep interest rates unchanged, a new comment that comes as Fed watchers gauge the effect the president's new tariff plans will have on monetary policy.

Key Takeaways The looming trade war between the U.S. and its largest trading partners is making some officials at the Federal Reserve more cautious about moving interest rates.The Fed was already in "wait and see" mode,

President Donald Trump commended the Federal Reserve for its decision last week to leave interest rates unchanged. "Holding the rates at this point was the right thing to do," he told reporters. President Donald Trump approved the Federal Reserve for its decision last week to leave interest rates unchanged,

The president previously said he would demand immediate rate cuts but now says holding them steady was the right thing to do.

President Donald Trump stunned reporters on Sunday night when he praised the Federal Reserve’s decision to hit pause on its rate cuts. “I’m not surprised,” he said as he arrived in Washington aboard Air Force One.