President Donald Trump warned Friday that he would halt trade with nations running surpluses against the United States unless the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates.

Trump made the threat in a lengthy Truth Social post reacting to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report showing employers added 162,000 jobs in August, far exceeding economist expectations. The strong data has increased market bets on a possible Fed rate hike at the September 15-16 policy meeting.

"LOWER THE RATE OR I'LL STOP TRADING WITH COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE HAVE A DEFICIT," Trump wrote, adding that the U.S. Supreme Court had affirmed the president's authority to take such action. He called on the Fed to deliver "the LOWEST RATE of any country in the World" and urged the central bank board, including its new leader Kevin Warsh, to "get smart" and act like patriots.

High interest rates currently put the United States at an unfair disadvantage compared to other nations, Trump argued. He said a strong economy like America's should enjoy lower borrowing costs rather than rates that constrain growth and competitiveness.

The Fed has held its benchmark rate steady since December as it monitors inflation and economic conditions. Markets had priced in a higher likelihood of a rate increase following the jobs release.

Trump has repeatedly pressed for lower rates to support American businesses and consumers. His latest statement ties that goal directly to trade policy, noting that stopping imports from deficit countries could prove more effective than tariffs in addressing imbalances.

The United States maintains trade deficits with numerous partners, including China, Mexico, Vietnam, and members of the European Union. Federal data show the overall goods and services deficit reached $88.6 billion in July, up sharply from the prior month.

Trump's comments underscore ongoing tensions between the White House and the independent central bank over monetary policy. Supporters view the pressure as necessary to align rates with economic strength, while critics warn that abrupt trade restrictions could raise costs for American families and businesses.