Global central bank chiefs rally in support of Fed Chair Jerome Powell

0 January 14, 2026 10:56

The Bank of Japan has been notably silent as other central banks come out in support of the US Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who is under attack from President Donald Trump. The issue has also divided New Zealand’s government, with the foreign minister chastising the Reserve Bank governor for her public support for Mr Powell, saying that the bank should not get involved in US domestic politics. In contrast, central bankers from the European Central Bank and 10 countries — including the UK, Australia, Canada and South Korea — have signed a statement, maintaining that the independence of central banks is a cornerstone of price, financial and economic stability. Nick Harper reports from Washington DC.