Powell has faced a firestorm of Republican criticism over the lavish renovation — as President Trump demands that Powell consider resigning after refusing to lower interest rates.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday it’s “highly unlikely” that he’ll fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell after signaling otherwise a day earlier in a private meeting with lawmakers.

Amid a fresh set of attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell came reports that President Donald Trump might fire the central banker. Increasingly, Trump is frustrated with Powell for not lowering interest rates already. Consumers hoping for lower rates as well may be better off if the Fed sticks to its current plan, experts say.

The chair of the Federal Reserve made clear he would not resign, even under pressure. But pressure from the White House is likely, market watchers say. By Andrew Ross Sorkin Ravi Mattu Bernhard ...