New Delhi, Dec. 9 -- US President Donald Trump said he would evaluate any new Federal Reserve chair based on whether they would move quickly to cut interest rates, signaling a clear expectation for his eventual nominee to take a more aggressive easing stance.

Asked by Politico whether an immediate rate cut would serve as a litmus test, Trump responded: "Yes."

He then added that current Fed Chair Jerome Powell should do the same.

"Yes. Well, this guy too ... should too," Trump said in an interview released on Tuesday (December 9).

Trump coupled his comments with fresh criticism of Powell, whom he originally appointed in 2018.

"I think he's a combination of not a smart person and doesn't like Trump," the President said.

Powell's term ...