Trump threatens trade if Fed doesn't cut rates

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Friday that if the Federal Reserve doesn't cut interest rates, he will stop trading with countries with which the United States has a deficit.

"High interest rates put the U.S.A. at a very unfair disadvantage, and I won't allow that to happen!" said Trump, who repeatedly demanded that the Fed cut rates.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday reported stronger-than-expected job creation in August, prompting traders to boost bets on a rate hike at the Fed's meeting later this month.

"We should have the LOWEST RATE of any country in the World ... LOWER THE RATE OR I'LL STOP TRADING WITH COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE HAVE A DEFICIT," Trump said in a social media post.