FOMC Minutes Highlight Fed’s Concerns About Trump Policies

The Federal Reserve released the minutes of its December 17-18 meeting on Wednesday, revealing heightened concerns among officials about the economic impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s policy proposals.

Based on the minutes, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) discussed a range of issues, from inflation risks to the anticipated slowdown in rate cuts, reflecting the Fed’s cautious approach heading into 2025.

Fed’s Cautious Approach to Rate Cuts Amid Inflation and Economic Risks

The FOMC minutes highlighted the decision to implement a 25-basis-point (0.25%) rate cut. Almost all participants advocated for a gradual approach to further monetary easing. Several officials emphasized the importance of data-dependent decision-making, particularly as inflation remains above target levels.

“Many participants suggested that a variety of factors underlined the need for a careful approach to monetary policy decisions over coming quarters,” the minutes noted.

Some officials, however, argued for flexibility. They pointed to scenarios where rate cuts might be accelerated if inflation trends downward or if labor market conditions deteriorate more than expected. Despite these diverging views, the overarching sentiment was one of prudence to avoid policy missteps as the Fed continues to assess the neutral rate.

The minutes indicated a growing concern over inflation risks, which many Fed members attributed to Trump’s trade and immigration policies. Core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation stood at 2.8% in October, and officials expected progress in bringing it down to be slower than initially anticipated.

“Inflation risks remain balanced, though higher-than-expected recent readings warrant close monitoring,” the report added.

While the labor market has shown slight easing, unemployment remains low at 4.2%, and GDP growth is expected to stay solid. However, several participants flagged financial strains on lower-income households as a potential area of concern.

Markets Respond to Fed’s Stance on Trump’s Policies

Fed officials expressed particular unease about Trump’s proposed trade and immigration plans, which they believe could exacerbate inflation pressures. The minutes suggested that these policies might slow the Fed’s progress toward its inflation and employment goals.

“The potential for higher tariffs and stricter immigration controls could disrupt supply chains and labor markets, further complicating the Fed’s task,” one participant reportedly noted.

Critics have been quick to react. Zero Hedge, a popular user on X (formerly Twitter), commented on the Fed officials’ concerns and response to inflation impacts from Trump’s policies.

“So the Fed is not reactive (even when inflation is biting it in the ass), but is PROACTIVELY hostile toward the policy of a president it disagrees with even if said policy doesn’t even exist,” he said.

The crypto market felt the ripple effects of the FOMC minutes, with Bitcoin (BTC) experiencing a sharp drop. Shortly after the minutes were released, BTC plunged to $92,500.  This decline mirrors the market’s sensitivity to monetary policy uncertainties as the Fed’s cautious tone left markets on edge.

Bitcoin and the crypto market’s plunge highlights the interplay between fiscal policy, monetary decisions, and market sentiment. The market reaction came as analysts continue to hope that Trump’s pro-crypto stance will significantly shape future market trends.

As BeInCrypto reported, Trump’s policies might bolster the adoption of cryptocurrencies. However, others hold that these policies also carry risks of regulatory tightening that could stoke volatility.

According to BeInCrypto data, BTC was trading for $93,001 as of writing, down by over 3% since the Thursday session opened. As Trump’s policies take shape in the coming months, the Fed’s balancing act will remain a focal point for both traditional and crypto markets.