U.S. Fed Chair Jerome Powell spoke of a need to maintain a "safe, sound and efficient" U.S. banking system while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Powell "good public servant" suggesting he finish his term.

There have been no indications from Powell that he plans to step down despite a barrage of criticism from the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump on Sunday disputed a Wall Street Journal story alleging that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged him to avoid firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell partly over concerns about the impact of his potential removal on the U.S. economy, declaring that he knows “better than anybody what’s good for the Market.”

Ahead of US Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s scheduled speech, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called for a comprehensive review of the Federal Reserve. In an interview with CNBC, Bessent stated that there is a need to assess whether the Federal Reserve has been successful in fulfilling its mandate.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that a “formal process” to find a successor for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has already started — as the Trump administration ratchets up pressure for the top central banker to step aside before his term ends.

The Treasury secretary also stated his preference that Powell step down from the Fed entirely when his term ends. “Traditionally, the Fed chair also steps down as a governor."

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the president in recent days that ousting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell entailed possible risks to the economy and potential legal and political obstacles.

Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates, and he escalated his attacks on the Fed chair last week.