Jerome Powell’s remarkable advice to his successor speaks volumes about his battle with Trump.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell refused to answer three straight questions about politics during his press conference Wednesday. That’s typical for the just-the-facts persona he’s constructed for himself over the years. But near the end of his lengthy question-and-answer session, Powell got reflective and let the cat out of the bag.

When CNN’s Matt Egan asked what words of wisdom Powell would give his successor, who is set to take over when Powell’s term as chair ends in mid-May, the Fed chair paused for a moment, chuckled, and said he had three pieces of advice.

1. Stay out of elected politics.

2. Be accountable to Congress and work diligently to build relationships with the Fed’s overseers.

3. Respect the dedicated professionals who work hard every day to promote the independent mission of the Federal Reserve.

It was a touchingly human and thoughtful response. And it spoke volumes about the legacy Powell plans to leave at the institution he’s served for 14 years – nine as its chair. On Wednesday, he summed it up as his commitment to the “public well being” and staying out of politics.