President Trump is putting heat on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, demanding accountability for what critics call wasteful spending and poor decision-making. The Fed’s pricey building renovation has become a flashpoint, with Trump allies accusing Powell of mismanaging the project and possibly breaking laws. Insiders revealed Trump even showed lawmakers a draft letter firing Powell, though he claims it was just “concept” talk.
Trump’s visit to Fed headquarters came days before a major interest rate decision – rates have stayed high despite his calls to slash them. At the meeting, Trump blew up at Powell over ballooning renovation costs. Powell pushed back saying Trump’s $3.1 billion estimate included a building completed five years ago. “He was using fake numbers!” a GOP source grumbled.
This isn’t just about buildings. Trump’s team blames Powell for stubbornly keeping rates too high, stifling economic growth. “He’s crushing Middle America with these policies,” said a senior Trump adviser. Key Republicans privately admit Powell’s independence is vital, but frustration builds as the economy sputters.
AOL News detailed how Trump appointees added costly white marble to the renovation, driving up expenses. Critics call this a symbol of Fed elitism ignoring the dollar’s value. “They’re more concerned with fancy architecture than working-class wallets,” a conservative pundit snarled.
Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary warns it’s dangerous to boot Powell before his term ends. “Knee-jerk moves threaten investor confidence,” he told Fox News. Fellow conservatives split – some demand “whacking the Fed,” while others urge patience.
Meanwhile, Trump faces blowback for slashing transparency about Jeffrey Epstein records, diverting focus from this battle. Allies argue Powell’s Fed holds more sway over Americans’ bank accounts than any Epstein file. “The real crisis is economic – and Powell’s part of it,” declared a grassroots leader.
Legal experts note firing Powell for “cause” like incompetence or fraud faces steep hurdles. Trump’s team cites the renovation fiasco as potential grounds. “If they broke the law, there’s no cause to keep him,” argued a constitutional lawyer.
As the Fed meets to set rates, conservatives demand bold action. “Trump’s right – the Fed works for us, not Wall Street,” roared a rally attendee. The question remains: will this historic pressure force real reform, or just headlines?