Donald Trump says firing of Fed Reserve chief ‘highly unlikely’

Mr Trump confirmed that he discussed the “concept” of dismissing Mr Powell in a meeting with about a dozen Republicans

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell is unpopular with Donald Trump (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

President Donald Trump has said it is “highly unlikely” he will fire Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell “unless he has to leave for fraud”.

The statement came less than 24 hours after Mr Trump indicated in a private meeting that he is leaning in favour of dismissing the head of the US central bank.