Trump pushes National Guard deployments, targets Federal Reserve in cabinet meeting

President Trump held a wide-ranging cabinet meeting this week

(NBC)-  President Trump held a wide-ranging cabinet meeting this week, addressing crime, federal power, and his escalating clash with the Federal Reserve.

Speaking alongside his top advisers, Trump defended his plan to expand National Guard deployments into more major cities, despite opposition from Democratic leaders who call the move unconstitutional. “I would have the right to do anything I want to do. I’m the President of the United States. If I think our country is in danger, and it is in danger in these cities, I can do it,” Trump said.

The President also vowed to expand his crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., saying his administration would pursue the death penalty for murders committed in the nation’s capital.

Trump further weighed in on his unprecedented attempt to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, accusing her of mortgage fraud. “She seems to have had an infraction, and she can’t have an infraction,” Trump said. Cook has not been charged with a crime, denies wrongdoing, and insists the President has no legal authority to fire her. She says she will fight the effort in court.

The President indicated he wants to replace Cook with someone aligned with his push to cut interest rates, arguing it would boost the housing market. “Once we have a majority, housing is going to swing and it’s going to be great,” he said.

The Federal Reserve and the White House have both said they will abide by the court’s decision, but many economists warn that lowering rates too quickly could fuel inflation. The clash also raises fresh concerns about the Fed’s independence from political influence.