Treasury Secretary: Trump not threatening Fed's independence

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Saturday that Donald Trump was not trying to put pressure on the Federal Reserve when he criticized its decision to raise interest rates.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Group of 20 meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mnuchin said he can't comment on why the U.S. president made the comments but he doesn't think they were a mistake.

"I can assure because I've spoken to the president. His intention is not to in any way put pressure on the Fed," the Treasury Secretary said, referring to the U.S. central bank. "I just want to assure you this was not intended to put pressure on the Fed or jeopardize the Fed's independence.