Trump keeps pressuring the Fed to cut rates. Here's why its independence matters

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell (holding up hard hat) speaks with the construction manager during a tour of renovations at the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. At left is President Trump, and between Trump and Powell is the director of the Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought.

Trump has threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, challenging the Fed's independence. Experts say he's not the first president to target the central bank, but he's the most public and aggressive.

(Image credit: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds)