Trump Says Fed Chair Warsh Should Have Opposed Rate Hike, Blames "Hostile" Board

President Donald Trump said Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh should have voted against the central bank's recent quarter-point rate increase, but said he does not blame Warsh personally, in an interview published Oct. 1, 2026. The Fed's unanimous hike last month lifted the benchmark rate, with officials signaling another increase may follow this year as inflation stays above the 2% target, Bloomberg reported. Trump directed criticism at the broader board, saying it has "Trump derangement syndrome" and is "very hostile" and "very political." Asked if he regretted nominating Warsh, Trump did not say yes, citing Obama and Biden appointees, but said Warsh retains his confidence. Trump has pressed for lower rates and previously urged cuts to 1% "or less." He said he told Warsh he "might as well vote with the board" since it would not change the outcome. Only three of the twelve FOMC members were nominated by Trump.