Trump denies report he’s unhappy with Mnuchin

President Trump on Friday quickly fired back at a Wall Street Journal report that he had openly expressed dissatisfaction with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, slamming the story as another example of “fake news.”

“I am extremely happy and proud of the job being done by [Mnuchin],” Trump tweeted. “The FAKE NEWS likes to write stories to the contrary, quoting phony sources or jealous people, but they aren’t true. They never like to ask me for a quote b/c it would kill their story.”

I am extremely happy and proud of the job being done by @USTreasury Secretary @StevenMnuchin1. The FAKE NEWS likes to write stories to the contrary, quoting phony sources or jealous people, but they aren’t true. They never like to ask me for a quote b/c it would kill their story.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2018

The president’s tweet came less than three hours after the Journal published its story, which quoted several unnamed sources who said Trump had derided Mnuchin behind his back. The story also included a statement from Trump’s spokeswoman, Lindsay Walters, saying Trump “appreciates” the secretary’s work.

According to the report, Trump has openly blamed Mnuchin for the recent volatility in the market, saying, “If he’s so good, why is this happening?” 

Trump also reportedly blames Mnuchin for the appointment of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whom the president has frequently criticized over interest rate hikes.

“President Trump appreciates Secretary Mnuchin’s service as a key member of his cabinet and reports suggesting otherwise are false,” the White House said in a statement provided to The Hill.

The Journal report comes amid recent speculation that Trump is looking to shake up his Cabinet. Various media reports have suggested the president is looking to replace chief of staff John Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, among others.

Asked for comment on the report, a Treasury spokesperson pointed The Hill to Trump’s tweet.