Internet reports that US President Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Federal Reserve's delay in cutting interest rates, and publicly denied the agency's "independence", saying he had the ability to step down Federal Reserve Chairman Powell. When asked about earlier comments on social media criticizing Powell for his slowness in cutting interest rates, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office,"If I let him go, he will go." I am very dissatisfied with him and I have told him clearly." In an earlier social media post, Trump said: "The sooner Powell steps down, the better!" A Fed spokesman declined to comment on Trump's remarks. In the Oval Office, Trump did not respond to questioning whether he was trying to oust Powell. He said Powell's performance had been "abysmal."