Harris: "I Will Not Interfere with Fed Decisions if I Become President"

Vice President Kamala Harris, widely expected to be the Democratic presidential candidate in the United States, is campaigning in Atlanta, Georgia, on the 30th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris has pledged to guarantee the independence of the U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve (Fed), if elected.

On the 10th (local time), Vice President Harris met with reporters in Nevada and expressed opposition to former President Trump’s claim that "the president should have a say in the Fed’s interest rate decisions."

Vice President Harris said, "The Fed is an independent institution, and as president, I will never interfere with the decisions the Fed makes."

Regarding recent sharp stock market declines and growing concerns about an economic recession while the Fed has yet to lower interest rates, she stated, "There was some turbulence last week, but it seems to have stabilized on its own," adding, "We will see what decision the Fed makes next."

She said she would announce a policy platform next week focused on strengthening the economy and lowering inflation.

Earlier, former President Trump sparked controversy over infringing on the central bank’s independence when he said at a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on the 8th, "I think the president should at least have a say there (at the Fed)."

Regarding Israel’s recent airstrike on a school in the Gaza Strip, she said, "Too many civilians have died," and added, "Israel has the right to pursue Hamas terrorists, but as I have said many times, Israel has an important responsibility to avoid civilian casualties."

When asked directly about measures to restrict arms exports to Israel, she did not give a direct answer but emphasized, "We need a hostage release agreement, and we need a ceasefire."