WASHINGTON: PresidentDonald Trumplashed out Thursday at Jerome Powell after the US central bank continued to hold rates steady again, calling him `too stupid` to be Federal Reserve chairman.

`Jerome `Too Late` Powell has done it again! Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, after the Fed decided a day earlier to hold its key lending rate steady for a fifth straight meeting.

In announcing its decision Wednesday, the Fed cited a moderation in economic activity in the first half of the year and `solid` labor market conditions.

It warned however that `uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated,` while inflation too is somewhat heightened.

With Trump`s sweeping tariffs on US trade partners raising uncertainty about the economic and inflationary outlook, Powell on Wednesday told a press conference that `we`re still a ways away from seeing where things settle down.` `He is TOO LATE, and actually, TOO ANGRY, TOO STUPID, & TOO POLITICAL, to have the job of Fed Chair, Trump said.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell over the rate decision The president`s repeated attacks have fueled speculation that Trump may attempt to fire Powell or otherwise pressure him to resign early.

Powell`s term as Fed chair ends in May 2026, and on Wednesday he defended the independence of the central bank as having `served the public well.`-AFP