The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, marking the fifth consecutive meeting with no adjustments. This decision comes despite increasing pressure from former President Trump, who has been vocal in his call for rate cuts. Two Fed officials, both Trump appointees, dissented from the majority vote, arguing that the current economic conditions warranted a reduction in rates. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has emphasized the risks of slowing economic growth and inflation, indicating that any potential rate cuts might be premature. The situation has sparked discussions about the independence of the Federal Reserve and its ability to resist political influence amidst a complicated economic landscape.