How America's national narratives have shaped the US
Guest: Sarah Churchwell, historian and professor of American Literature and Public Understanding, University of London and co-host of the podcast, Journey Through Time.
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ABC News
9 hours ago
- ABC News
Jerome Powell fact-checking Trump has gone viral. What's the backstory of their feud?
It's been likened to a scene in comedy series The Office — US President Donald Trump being fact-checked by a disgruntled man in a suit and a hard hat. But there's more to awkward exchange than a new meme format. Here's the backstory of the video and why the pair's disagreement speaks to a serious issue in the US. That's Jerome Powell, the chair of the US Federal Reserve. The US Federal Reserve — which is often called "the Fed" for short — is the American equivalent to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). It's America's central bank, an institution tasked with regulating the finance sector, keeping the US economy in check and tackling inflation. And part of that role is setting the target range for what's called the federal funds rate — a figure that influences the interest rates US banks charge customers. The key thing about the Fed is that it's a separate entity from the US government, so it's not subject to the whims of whatever party is in power. Mr Trump and Mr Powell are touring the Federal Reserve Board building, which is currently undergoing renovations, in Washington DC. This tour came after Mr Trump's administration criticised the renovation project as "ostentatious". The long-running renovation project was originally costed at $US1.9 billion ($2.9 billion), but the Fed says that went to $US2.5 billion. During the tour, Mr Trump said the project's cost "went up a little or a lot" and was costing "about $US3.1 billion". But Mr Powell shook his head, saying he had not heard those figures from the Fed. Mr Trump then handed Mr Powell a piece of paper. "Are you including the Martin renovation?" Mr Powell said. "You just added in a third building, is what that is. That's a third building." "It's a building that's being built," Mr Trump said. "No, it was built five years ago," Mr Powell said. The awkward moment happened before a pack of reporters, so footage of the exchange quickly spread. Reposts of the video clocked up hundreds of thousands of views on X. Meanwhile, a frame of Mr Powell examining the figures became a meme format: And the virality of the moment was not helped by this interaction between the two: Mr Trump wants Mr Powell to lower the federal funds rate so that interest rates will go down in the US. In an Australian context, that would be equivalent to the prime minister asking the governor of the RBA to lower interest rates. Since April, Mr Powell has warned that Trump's policies, particularly on tariffs, could undermine the economy. He said the tariff levels were "significantly larger than anticipated" and that they could result in both lower growth and higher inflation. This would make it difficult for the Fed to react and prohibit a rate cut. In response, Mr Trump launched a tirade and called the chair a "major loser". During the heated exchange this week, Mr Trump pressed him again on lowering interest rates, telling him to "do the right thing" and slash them by 3 percentage points or more. Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that he would "fire" Mr Powell. The Federal Reserve Act of 1913, which created the central bank, says that members of the Board of Governors, including the Fed chief, can be "removed for cause by the president". But the law does not define "cause" or lay out any standard or procedures for removal. No president has ever removed a Fed board member, and the law has never been tested in court. Several federal laws shielding members of other agencies from being removed by the president without cause say that "cause" can include neglect of duty, malfeasance, and inefficiency. If Mr Powell is fired and sues, those laws could be a guide for courts to determine if Mr Trump had cause to remove him. Last week, Mr Trump said Mr Powell had kept rates too high and would be out in eight months. "I think he's done a bad job, but he's going to be out pretty soon," he said. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday said the entire Federal Reserve needed to be examined as an institution and whether it had been successful. Mr Bessent, speaking with US media, declined to comment on a report that he had advised President Donald Trump not to fire Fed chair Jerome Powell. He said it would be the president's decision. But he said the institution should be reviewed, citing what he called the Fed's "fear-mongering over tariffs". He said that there had been little, if any, inflationary effect so far. Following his visit, the president walked back his comments and said that he would like the chair to resign but it would disrupt the markets if he were to remove him.
News.com.au
17 hours ago
- News.com.au
Surprising candidate in running for top police job
It's crunch time for the six candidates vying for a role many consider a 'poisoned chalice' – the NSW Police Commissioner. Interviews wrapped up this week and time will soon tell whether Premier Chris Minns has opted for a 'clean skin, dependable safe bet' to calm the storm after the force's turbulent recent history. In the running are hot favourite Mal Lanyon, as well as the current acting commissioner Peter Thurtell, Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos, former deputy Mick Willing and two assistant commissioners Peter Cotter and wildcard Rod Smith. The role has brought with it in recent years intense public scrutiny and relentless media attention, and the ever-present threat of misconduct scandals or mishandled critical incidents have created a perception that the job is exceptionally difficult and carries considerable reputational risk. Insiders have told the very dependable and well respected Mr Thurtell has excelled in the role since he took over from the state's first female Commissioner Karen Webb, and Mr Minns would be 'wise' to let him continue to 'steady the ship'. 'Thurtell has got a taste of the top job and knows he can do it,' one senior-placed NSW police officer said. 'Nothing negative has happened under his watch. Every major incident he has taken the lead, not waited or passed it on. 'If there is a critical incident the region commander has to take control but anything he should be in the public eye for, he has been and he's smashed it.' Mr Thurtell has appeared on television as part of a panel discussion on domestic violence and appeared in press conferences when issues arise. He's impressed the troops on the ground with his humble approach. 'He's been a region commander, he's got his battle scars, he has had everything thrown at him and he comes out with flying colours. You can't put him on the hop, if you try to trip him up you can't. 'And what's important is that those who know him absolutely trust him.' While Mr Thurtell might be popular among the troops, most believe Mr Lanyon is the Premier's favourite and a 'shoe in' for the job. 'He's been biding his time, networking with politicians and he's ready for his comeback,' one source said. Mr Lanyon has a long career in the police force, including heading the state crime command, and has been involved in disaster response and recovery, including leading flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers region in 2022. He missed out on the top job last time round – many say because of a night in February 2021 where he was found intoxicated, laying on the ground in Gouldburn by ambulance officers who later described him as argumentative and agitated. Mr Lanyon acknowledged his behaviour and sought to apologise personally. While he was publicly hauled over the coals for the incident he has since found new support in politicians and police alike, with many still saying 'he's the best one for the job'. 'You'd think the government might be worried though about the Merino incident coming up over and over again. The force has copped so much bad publicity, but a lot of cops think Mal knows what he's doing, is the most qualified, most media savvy and the best one for the job so I most think the Premier will back him and hope people have short memories.' Mr Lanyon will again go head to head with former sparring partner and fellow deputy Mr Willing. Both lost out to Ms Webb when Premier Dom Perrotet appointed her the state's first female commissioner. Mr Willing says he is an even better candidate today than he was three years ago, and believes he is the best fit to refocus the culture of the NSW Police Force. After being sacked by Ms Webb shortly after she took office, Mr Willing fought his own demons thanks to the sudden loss of identity but found a new purpose as head of Fortem Australia, a non-for-profit organisation devoted to helping first responders and their families. Police welfare is likely to be his key platform. Attracting fewer headlines than the other deputies is Mr Pisanos, best known for his work in regional youth crime. He's travelled the state building rapport with troops on the ground in remote country towns, community elders and kids themselves. He's passionate about steering them away from a life of crime and into the dozen of diversional programs, trying to give them hope of a better future – while talking tough and vowing to lock up the ones who won't cop the tip. 'Pisanos is a straight shooting kind of cop who shouldn't be underestimated,' one colleague said. 'He's a hard worker and commits to whatever he is tasked. 'History will show the favourites in the past haven't taken out the prize so he shouldn't be written-off. Webb certainly wasn't the favourite, nor was Fuller.' In the contest to become commissioner, history indicates that the frontrunner isn't always guaranteed success. Ken Moroney, Andrew Scipione, and Mick Fuller all ascended over more favoured deputy commissioners. Ms Webb was no exception. And lesser known assistant commissioners should not be written off. Mr Cotter, now head of Professional Standards, was left to face the media in 2023 after the tasering of 95-year-old grandmother Clare Nowland. Police were heavily criticised for not mentioning the 'taser' in initial media releases. Mr Cotter was the one to confirm to journalists that Ms Nowland had a serrated steak knife in a small treatment room when she moved slowly towards officers and was tasered. 'She had a walking frame but she had a knife,' he said. Mr Cotter also acted as in the position of Commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission in 2018 and was southern region commander as well as having worked in homicide investigations and is known for his work in victims' services. Mr Smith is the former principal of Goulburn Police Academy and heads the State Intelligence Command. His quest for the top job has surprised many. He joined the NSW Police Force in 1989, enjoying a successful and diverse career for over 30 years. 'We're a very professional organisation where we recognise professional qualifications, experience and knowledge,' Assistant Commissioner Smith told Police Insight in 2022. 'How you present yourself, your experience, and your qualifications goes a long way in being able to convey yourself and our organisation as a professional one.' Whoever takes the top job can expect to be thrust into the media spotlight instantaneously and how they convey themselves will be paramount to their success in one of the most challenging roles in the country. While Ms Webb's representatives claim her resignation was voluntary, numerous police sources suggest the government actively encouraged her departure due to leaks, persistent media criticism, and concerns about her public performance. Her supporters say she never stood a chance, with her detractors, including Mr Lanyon and Mr Willing working against her from day one. 'Whoever gets the job they can expect to be watched closely from day one and if they misstep it won't go unnoticed,' an officer said. What's not lost on the rank and file is the fact there is not a female candidate in sight. 'Wether Karen Webb copped it worse because she is a woman, I guess the record books will show, that's not for me to say, but you can be guaranteed of one thing, no woman will put their hand up any time soon nor will they be considered any time soon,' a senior female officer said. 'I would suggest the powers that be will pick someone who fits the profile of an old school blokey cop. Someone they feel oozes confidence and authority so the public and the media will be on board from day one. 'Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing, I guess time will tell. We will have to watch this space.'
Daily Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Maxwell meets Trump official amid pardon speculation in Epstein case
Don't miss out on the headlines from World. Followed categories will be added to My News. Ghislaine Maxwell will 'finally be able to say what really happened,' her lawyer has said as the convicted sex trafficker meets with a top White House official for a second day. There are questions about the aim of the meetings with a Democrat saying it 'really stinks'. Donald Trump had earlier said if she had incriminating information 'the Justice Department will hear what she has to say'. As the US President left for a visit to the UK on Friday, he was asked if he was considering pardoning Maxwell, the accomplice of the late Jeffrey Epstein. He replied he 'hadn't thought about' it but also said the he was 'allowed to do it'. The comments comes as the Wall Street Journal, which last week claimed that Mr Trump had written a happy birthday note to Epstein in 2003, has now reported that former president Bill Clinton did the same. The tumult over the Epstein files has consumed the Trump administration for three weeks after the Justice Department said it would not release any more files on the matter and there was no Epstein 'client list'. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, July 25, 2025, in Washington. The President is travelling to Scotland. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) It's split the MAGA base, many of who have consumed years of rumours and theories about who and what is contained within the files and whether it's the tip of a wider scandal. Yet no evidence has emerged to suggest that was the case. Last week, more images emerged of Donald Trump with the pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. A newspaper also reported the US president was told his name was in the files. The White House has pushed back on the reports. Due to how many people Epstein knew, it's likely many people's names are contained in the files and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing simply by being mentioned, that includes Mr Trump. Despite the Justice Department saying there was no 'client list,' as he boarded Air Force One for Scotland on Friday, Mr Trump said there was a 'list' of Epstein associates. 'You should focus on (Bill) Clinton. You should focus on the (former) president of Harvard, you should focus on some of the hedge fund guys. I'll give you a list,' he said. Again there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by those Mr Trump mentioned. Ghislaine Maxwell was Jeffrey Epstein's right hand woman. (Photo by Handout / US District Court for the Southern District of New York / AFP). On Friday, US deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche said he would meet Ghislaine Maxwell for a second day of questioning at a federal courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, close to where she is imprisoned for sex trafficking including that of a minor among other crimes. After Thursday's meeting, Mr Blanche, who was previously Mr Trump's personal lawyer, said on X that 'The Department of Justice will share additional information about what we learned at the appropriate time'. Ghislaine Maxwell pictured in prison. There are suggestions Ghislaine Maxwell may seek a pardon for her crimes. (Photo by Rob Kim / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP) Maxwell 'finally able to say what really happened' Maxwell's lawyer, David Oscar Markus, told reporters after the meeting with Mr Blanche that 'she answered all of the questions truthfully, honestly and to the best of her ability.' He said that 'if you looked up scapegoat in the dictionary,' Maxwell's face would be there. 'We're grateful for this opportunity to finally be able to say what really happened, and that's what we're going to do, yesterday and today. 'We just ask that folks look at what she has to say with an open mind, and that's what Deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche has promised us, and everything she says can be corroborated, and she's telling the truth. 'She's got no reason to lie at this point, and she's going to keep telling the truth,' Mr Marcus claimed. David Oscar Markus, an lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell, walks into the federal courthouse, Friday, July 25, 2025, in Tallahassee. (AP Photo/Colin Hackley) Maxwell meeting 'really stinks' On Capitol Hill, Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal said it was a 'secret meeting' that 'really stinks' and looked like 'some kind of cover up'. There have been calls for the meeting to be recorded. The Trump defence lawyer and now deputy Attorney-General Todd Blanche has met Ghislaine Maxwell in Florida. (Photo by JEENAH MOON / POOL / AFP) Democrat Congressman Robert Garcia, who is on the House Oversight Committee, said the meeting was 'incredibly suspicious' and 'dangerous' and he was concerned no members of the committee were present. 'She probably wants a pardon from Donald Trump, and so her meeting with Trump's Department of Justice cannot be trusted, and anything she says must be corroborated with documents and records from the actual Epstein files,' he said. Ghislaine Maxwell watches as Jeffrey Epstein and US President Bill Clinton shake hands. Picture: WILLIAM J. CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY Claim Clinton also sent Epstein birthday message On Thursday, US time, the Wall Street Journal reported that Bill Clinton, who was US president during much of the 1990s, also sent Jeffrey Epstein a message for his now infamous 50th birthday album. His reported message read: 'It's reassuring isn't it, to have lasted as long, across all the years of learning and knowing, adventures and (not legible word) and also to have your childlike curiosity, the drive to make a difference and the solace of friends'. Mr Clinton has not commented but a spokesman said he stopped associating with Epstein years before his arrest and was not aware of his claims. Mr Trump, who has denied he also sent a message for the book, has also said he cut ties prior to Epstein's; legal issues and in fact barred him from Mar-a-Lago. It's been reported that many other notable people wrote notes for the birthday book including fashion designer Vera Wang. Originally published as Ghislaine Maxwell lawyer claim: 'finally able to 'reveal what really happened'
