Politics chat: Progressive candidates in primaries, Trump’s influence on midterms : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-09 07:12:00 — www.npr.org
Trump Questions Voter Turnout Without His Name on the Ballot, Continues Pressure on Federal Reserve
President Donald Trump has once again raised questions about the loyalty and turnout of his supporters in upcoming elections, stating, “If I don’t run, will those people go out and vote? And that’s the one thing I can’t tell. I’m going to ask them to.” This comment, made in a video posted by Punchbowl News, highlights Trump’s ongoing influence over Republican voter engagement—even when he is not directly on the ballot.
Trump’s Influence on the Federal Reserve
The discussion also turned to Trump’s evolving stance toward the Federal Reserve. During his time in office, Trump was known for repeatedly browbeating then-chairman Jerome Powell, publicly criticizing the Fed’s decisions on interest rates. According to NPR, Trump is not taking the same aggressive approach with Kevin Warsh, his new pick for Fed chairman, but continues to pressure the central bank in other ways.
White House Actions Against Fed Governor
Despite a recent Supreme Court loss, the White House, under Trump’s direction, reportedly told Fed Governor Lisa Cook in a letter that it is considering trying to fire her again from the Central Bank for allegedly committing mortgage fraud. However, there has been no support for these allegations in the courts, and no charges have been filed. The administration’s continued threats to remove Cook, despite a lack of evidence, reflect an ongoing pattern of targeting officials perceived as adversaries.
Conclusion
Trump’s recent statements and actions underscore his continued sway over Republican politics and his willingness to pressure independent institutions like the Federal Reserve. His remarks about voter turnout reveal a persistent focus on personal loyalty, while his administration’s handling of Fed officials raises questions about the politicization of economic oversight. As the midterms approach, Trump’s influence remains a central factor in both party strategy and public debate.