President Trump floated the idea of firing Jerome Powell — whom he first appointed Federal Reserve chair — earlier this week, after years of on-and-off criticism over interest rates.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell defended the bank's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation budget amid feud with Trump over interest rates.

WASHINGTON—President Trump asked Republican lawmakers this week whether he should fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he appointed to the position in 2017. The move followed months of criticism by Trump of Powell, largely over his refusal to cut interest rates.