The White House: Trump has the right to express his views on the Federal Reserve based on citizenship, and the "Commander-in-Chief" has this responsibility as well.

According to informed sources, since Kevin Walsh took office as the chairman of the Federal Reserve, President Trump has periodically been in phone contact with him. Trump asks Walsh for his predictions and views but has not requested any specific actions from him. This is the latest indication of Trumps attempt to exert greater influence over the Federal Reserve. President Trump has repeatedly emphasized that he is giving Chairman Walsh the space needed to restore the credibility and professionalism of the Federal Reserves decision-making, White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated in an email. As a citizen of the United States, the president has the right to express his views on the Federal Reserve under the First Amendment; as Commander-in-Chief, he has a responsibility to weigh in on the matter. At the same time, he has also reiterated his support for Chairman Walsh and the independence of the Federal Reserve.