SE Kansas City News

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, U.S. Congressman representing Missouri’s 5th district since 2005, voiced concerns on August 26, 2025, about presidential authority and the stability of the Federal Reserve in a series of posts on social media.

In one post dated August 26, Cleaver stated: "The president does not have the authority to fire Dr. Cook from the Federal Reserve, period. This unconstitutional effort to install a loyalist at America’s central bank undermines the rule of law and threatens the stability of our financial system. It cannot be allowed to move https://t.co/NGNTX8q2bU".

In a subsequent message posted moments later, Cleaver added: "This effort to install a loyalist at the Fed isn’t just unconstitutional – it’s a step toward economic calamity.

https://t.co/3GYVkzfnfH".

Cleaver further warned against actions he described as reminiscent of other countries with authoritarian tendencies: "This happens in places like Turkey, Venezuela or Russia – not the United States. Wherever a wannabe authoritarian seizes control of the central bank, the nation rapidly faces stunted economic growth and runaway inflation. https://t.co/LqfC6NOljb".

Cleaver's remarks follow ongoing debates over executive power concerning independent agencies such as the Federal Reserve. The institution is designed to operate independently from direct political influence in order to maintain stable monetary policy and economic confidence.

Emanuel Cleaver was born in Waxahachie, Texas in 1944 and currently resides in Kansas City. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1972 and succeeded Karen McCarthy as representative for Missouri’s 5th District in 2005.