“Bessent is trying to show Trump there is a path to get what he wants without unnecessary market turmoil,” said Stephen Myrow, managing partner at Beacon Policy Advisors. That path would involve allowing Powell to finish out his term as chair and stepping down from the Federal Reserve board once his chairmanship is up.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the president that ousting Jerome Powell entailed risks, including possible effects on the economy and potential legal and political obstacles.

The treasury secretary’s latest comments contrast with his earlier alleged role as peacemaker. The president, meanwhile, continued to rail against the Fed chief and the outlet that characterized Bessent as a cooler head prevailing.