Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to remove the limits on firing leaders of independent agencies like the Federal Reserve. If the Court agrees, it could give him the power to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell and others whenever he wants. This would be a big change because the Federal Reserve is supposed to be free from political influence. Right now, a 1935 Supreme Court decision allows Congress to protect agency heads from being fired without cause. Trump wants that protection removed.
Jerome Powell’s current term as Chair of the Federal Reserve ends in May 2026. However, his term as a member of the Federal Reserve Board runs until January 31, 2028.
In short: Yes, if the Supreme Court rules in Trump’s favor, he could fire Powell.
