Editing Openai/68ae1e94-ecf4-8001-943f-85af9875a8c4 (section)

==== 2. Could this be a reaction to his inability to intimidate or manipulate Jerome Powell? ====

There’s evidence that Trump does see Fed leadership as a lever to control monetary policy:
* Analysts warn that the firing attempt follows “Trump’s recent successful pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell,” suggesting a broader campaign to reshape the Fed’s direction. Reuters<ref>{{cite web|title=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/view-analysts-reaction-trump-firing-feds-cook-2025-08-26/|publisher=reuters.com|access-date=2025-11-18}}</ref>
* Trump has previously criticized Powell for not cutting rates according to his wishes, raising speculation that his move against Cook is part of a strategic effort to tilt the balance in the board toward more compliant voices. TheGrio<ref>{{cite web|title=TheGrio|url=https://thegrio.com/2025/08/26/racist-misogynistic-unlawful-attack-trump-attempt-to-fire-lisa-cook/|publisher=thegrio.com|date=2025-08-26|access-date=2025-11-18}}</ref>Reuters<ref>{{cite web|title=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/trump-takes-his-fed-fight-unprecedented-level-with-effort-fire-cook-2025-08-26/|publisher=reuters.com|access-date=2025-11-18}}</ref>

So yes again—the removal attempt may reflect frustration with Powell’s refusal to yield—and Cook, as a newly powerful member with her own independent voice and influence, becomes a symbolic target in that broader struggle.