News

Trump Slaps 10% Cap on Fiat Debt Slavery

By

Triparna Baishnab

Triparna Baishnab

Donald Trump warns credit card companies to cut interest rates to 10% by January 2026 or face legal consequences. Markets and banks react.

Trump Slaps 10% Cap on Fiat Debt Slavery

Quick Take

Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.

  • President Trump warned credit card issuers to lower interest rates to 10% by January 20, 2026.

  • Banks and payment networks have pushed back, citing risks to credit access.

  • He accused major card companies of abusing consumers with APRs nearing 30%.

  • U.S. credit card debt remains at record highs, increasing pressure for reform.

  • The proposal lacks clear enforcement details but has reignited usury law debates.

President Donald Trump threatened credit card companies with a serious legal action, which may be taken against them in case they do not reduce the interest rates to 10% by January 20, 2026. Trump accuses in a brief video recording of major issuers preying on consumers with extremely large APRs, up to nearly 30 percent. He packaged the move as consumer protection and it was quite evident that he is planning to impose some compliance.

Populist Message Attacks Banks and Issuers

The rhetoric of Trump is tending towards a populist rhetoric, polying the banks and credit card networks as victimizing the ordinary Americans. He highlighted that the root cause of the high interest rates is that it cripples the households in the long-term debt and that it would halt what he has termed as unjust financial practices. The comments are in a time of increased public anger at the cost of borrowing and low purchasing power.

Pushback in the Banking Industry Swells

Large financial institutions have revolted against the suggestion, claiming that a strict limit on the interest rates would narrow the limited credit access. Issuers claim that risky borrowers can be either locked out, or charged higher fees in other areas. Another criticism of Trump by critics is that he failed to explain how a legal mechanism and enforcement structure would enforce the proposed cap.

Importance of the Timing to the Consumers

This is announced when credit card debts in the United States are at an all-time low and the average APR is more than 20 percent. Although the temporary limit would only offer a short-term solution, millions of households have revolving balances in their hands, which would be relieved at least. Regardless of the proposal becoming law or political pressure, it has already rekindled debate on usury laws, consumer protection and future of credit pricing in the U.S.

References

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