Most Americans believe it is critically important for the Federal Reserve to operate free from political pressure, a stance that puts them at odds with former President Donald Trump, according to recent analysis and polling data.
Public Opinion Clashes with Presidential Pressure
CNN's chief data analyst, Harry Enten, highlighted this divide on Monday. He pointed to a CBS News poll from September which found that 68% of U.S. adults believe it is best for the economy if the Federal Reserve acts independently of Trump. This sentiment cuts across party lines, with overwhelming support from Democrats (91%) and independents (75%), and a significant 41% of Republicans also agreeing.
"The American people vigorously disagree with the President of the United States on this," Enten stated. "They want a Fed that acts independently of him because they think it’s best for the economy." This public opinion emerges against a backdrop of Trump's repeated public urgings for Fed Chair Jerome Powell—whom he appointed in 2017—to cut interest rates.
A Legal Threat and Defense of Institutional Independence
The tension escalated over the weekend when Chair Powell revealed that the Department of Justice had issued subpoenas and threatened the U.S. central bank with a criminal indictment. This action related to Powell's Senate testimony concerning planned renovations at the Federal Reserve building. Trump has denied any involvement in the subpoenas, despite his ongoing public feud with Powell.
This move has been characterized as an "unprecedented" attack on the central bank's independence. In response, several former Federal Reserve chairs have publicly defended Powell and the institution's need to remain free from political interference to effectively manage monetary policy.
Powell Outpaces Trump in Popularity Contest
Enten emphasized that Trump is "losing the political fight" to Powell when it comes to public approval. Citing a Gallup survey from December, he noted that Powell holds a net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) of -3 points. In stark contrast, Trump's rating was described as "way, way, way underwater" at -23 points.
"Jerome Powell, not the most popular guy in the world, but at -3 points, he’s actually the most popular guy that Gallup polled of any, any of the politicians, any of the folks in government," Enten said. "He is far more popular than Donald Trump is."
Adding to Trump's challenges, his net approval rating on handling the economy has also plummeted. Since January 2025, it has fallen dramatically from +6 points to -19 points this month, indicating a significant loss of public confidence in his economic stewardship.
