Trump said he had let Warsh "vote however he wanted" and hoped the Fed would remain independent.

BlockBeats news, September 17: U.S. President Trump said on Wednesday that he had discussed the interest rate decision with Federal Reserve Chairman Warsh before the Fed's policy meeting, and told Warsh, "Vote however you want." Trump said that since other Fed officials were all expected to support a rate hike, Warsh's vote would not change the final outcome, while also saying he hopes the Fed remains independent.

That day, the Fed unanimously decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%—4%, the first rate hike since 2023. When asked at a press conference whether he had discussed the decision with Trump, Warsh declined to comment, saying only that the Fed's action was fulfilling its duty to the American public.

Trump subsequently criticized the Fed's rate hike, saying rates are "too high," and accused the Fed Board of being "unfriendly" to him. He also said he still has confidence in Warsh. Warsh, meanwhile, emphasized that the current policy decision is mainly based on inflation still being elevated and the economy and labor market showing resilience.