Trump Criticize Fed

(CNBC) President Donald Trump said he disagreed with the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates, and that the Fed should do "what's good for the country," according to an interview with Reuters. The US President has stated that he is "not thrilled" with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell decision to raise  interest rates, arguing that the central bank should do more to help the US economy. This is unconventional as Presidents have historically avoided commenting on Fed policies since the central bank is designed to be independent from political interference. Since Trump took office, the Fed has raised rates five times, including twice this year under Powell. The Fed has been carefully and gradually raising rates over the past several years to keep inflation in check and to prevent the economy from overheating. The central bank is expected to raise rates at least two more times this year, citing reasons such as a growing economy and increasing levels of employment. It has also penciled in three more rate hikes in 2019. Despite criticism from the White House, economists have commended the actions of the Federal Reserve. According to a survey released Monday by the National Association for Business Economics, approximately eight in 10 economists believe the Fed's interest rate policies are appropriate for the economy. The Federal Funds Rate is currently set at 2.0%, with the  Federal Open Market Committee previously signaling it would raise rates to 2.5 percent in the latter part of 2018, 3.0 percent in 2019, and 3.5 percent in 2020.