Trump hails jobs growth, attacks Fed

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday hailed stronger-than-expect­ed job growth in May, saying the economy was outperforming forecasts despite global uncertainties.

At an agriculture roundtable in Chippewa Falls, Wisc­onsin, Trump said the US eco­nomy added 1,72,000 jobs in May. “For the third month in a row, the jobs numbers smash­ed all expectations,” he said, claiming economists had projected only 30,000 new jobs.

Trump described the figures as the strongest employment report of his current administration. 

The president also criticised the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy, arguing economic growth was the best way to curb inflation. He renewed criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and highlighted rising wages, investment commitments and factory construction as signs of continued economic momentum.

POTUS Keeps Taiwan Call Option Open

Trump also indicated he may still speak with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te despite China’s warning against direct engagement with the leader of the self-ruled island.

Trump first raised the possibility last month after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, saying he intended to speak directly with Lai while considering a $14 billion arms sale to Taipei approved by Congress earlier this year. Asked on Friday whether he still planned to call Lai, Trump told reporters: “I’ll always talk to him.”