Fact Check: "Trump calls Jerome Powell 'very average' and 'very stupid'"
What We Know
Former President Donald Trump made derogatory remarks about Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell during a press conference at the NATO summit in June 2025. Trump stated, "He's an average mentally person… low IQ for what he does," and added, "I think he's a very stupid person, actually" (source-3, source-4). This criticism was part of Trump's ongoing dissatisfaction with Powell's management of interest rates, which he believes negatively impacts the economy.
Analysis
The claim that Trump referred to Powell as "very average" and "very stupid" is substantiated by multiple sources. In his comments, Trump used the phrase "very average mentally person," which has been widely reported and criticized for its grammatical awkwardness (source-3, source-4). The context of these remarks is significant; Trump has a history of publicly criticizing Powell, whom he nominated for the Fed chair position in 2017, indicating a complex relationship that has evolved into open disdain (source-4).
The sources reporting on this incident include reputable outlets such as Fox Business and Indy100, which provide direct quotes and context for Trump's statements. The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations known for political reporting. However, it is important to note that Trump's remarks have also been met with ridicule and criticism, highlighting the public's mixed reactions to his communication style (source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump called Jerome Powell "very average" and "very stupid" is True. Trump's exact words during the NATO summit clearly indicate his low opinion of Powell's capabilities, as he explicitly labeled him both "very average mentally" and "very stupid." The context of these remarks further underscores Trump's ongoing criticism of Powell's performance as Federal Reserve Chairman.
