President Donald Trump said Wednesday it’s “highly unlikely” that he’ll fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell after signaling otherwise a day earlier in a private meeting with lawmakers.

WATCH: President Trump said he was "surprised" that Powell had been nominated to be chair of the Federal Reserve. "I was surprised he was appointed," Trump said. "I was surprised, frankly, that Biden put him in and extended him.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is gaining some key backing on Capitol Hill from GOP senators who fear the repercussions if President Donald Trump follows through with threats to try and remove the politically independent central banker.

The president suggested he could attempt to remove the Fed chair for cause, arguing the central bank spent too much money on renovations of two historic office buildings.

Washington — President Trump on Tuesday asked a group of House Republicans if he should fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — and people in the room voiced approval. Several sources said Mr. Trump indicated he will do it. Mr. Trump on Wednesday confirmed to reporters in the Oval Office that he spoke to lawmakers about ousting Powell.

President Donald Trump denied that he plans to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, contradicting a senior White House official. House Republicans said Trump spoke about the plan Tuesday night.