Outside of a U.S. President bending norms, the Fed also faces challenges in achieving its economic objectives. Inflation remains above its 2% target: Its preferred measure is at 2.4%, though core prices — considered a better gauge of where inflation is headed — rose 2.8% in November from a year ago.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made clear on Wednesday the US central bank intends to hold interest rates where they are for the foreseeable future, pointing to a number of reasons why he and his colleagues expect to take their time before lowering borrowing costs again.

Federal Reserve officials held interest rates steady after their latest policy meeting, drawing sharp criticism from President Donald Trump.