Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s recent communications reaffirm the Fed’s control over monetary policy amid internal and external pressures. The Fed’s seldom-recognized triple mandate, including moderate long-term interest rates alongside price stability and maximum employment, was spotlighted by appointee Stephen Miran. Powell’s firm consensus-building led to a quarter-point rate cut, signaling commitment to steady economic management. Meanwhile, economists and Powell highlighted the challenging labor market for young workers, especially recent college graduates facing higher unemployment rates. Data show joblessness among young adults rising since 2015, exacerbated by a low-turnover economy rather than solely AI impacts. Despite global trends of low youth unemployment, the U.S. faces a unique struggle. The Fed’s careful approach reflects multiple economic dynamics including AI, hiring freezes, and moderate growth.