https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/trump-tells-fed-to-slash-rates-or-he-ll-end-trade-with-countries-with-u-s-surplusesContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/trump-tells-fed-to-slash-rates-or-he-ll-end-trade-with-countries-with-u-s-surpluseshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/trump-tells-fed-to-slash-rates-or-he-ll-end-trade-with-countries-with-u-s-surpluses#u57898Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:35:46 +0000Donald Trump is threatening to halt trade with nations that have U.S. trade deficits unless the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates. Trump issued the threat while discussing borrowing costs and a jobs report. The demand attempts to link American monetary policy directly with international trade relationships. The Federal Reserve maintains independence from presidential directives on interest rates, creating a potential institutional conflict. Economists and market observers are watching how the central bank will respond to the political pressure regarding monetary policy.Why it mattersThe ce