Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said he has no plans to leave his post early, pushing back against speculation that he could be forced out before his term ends in May 2026. His remarks came as questions grew over how a second Trump administration might try to influence the U.S. central bank.

Powell’s comments underline the Fed’s effort to preserve its independence at a time when monetary policy remains politically sensitive. The central bank has faced repeated attacks from Donald Trump in the past, largely over interest-rate decisions and the broader direction of the economy.

By saying he intends to finish his term, Powell signaled continuity at the top of the Fed as markets watch for any shift in policy under renewed political pressure. The statement also reflects the broader tension between elected leaders who want faster economic changes and a central bank that is designed to operate outside day-to-day politics.

For investors and policymakers, Powell’s message reduces one immediate layer of uncertainty, even as debate continues over how aggressively the Fed will respond to inflation, growth, and employment data in the months ahead.