美联储深陷政治风暴：鲍威尔因天价装修费遭特朗普围剿,独立性保卫战一触即发

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is facing an unprecedented political storm, with Chairman Jerome Powell being pressured to investigate a $2.5 billion renovation project that has escalated into a battle for the Fed's independence [1][2]. Group 1: Renovation Project Details - The renovation project, which began in 2017, initially had a budget of $1.9 billion but ballooned to $2.5 billion by the time construction started in 2021 due to unexpected technical issues such as asbestos and soil contamination [2]. - The Fed claims the budget overruns are due to unforeseen technical problems, but this has been seized upon by Republican critics who question the use of taxpayer money for what they term a "Federal Reserve Versailles" [2]. Group 2: Political Implications - Recent personnel changes in the oversight office have raised concerns, as three new members are aligned with Trump, with one openly claiming to have evidence to dismiss Powell [3]. - Trump's attacks on Powell have been ongoing for over two years, coinciding with the Fed's decision to maintain interest rates at 5.25%-5.5% [5]. - The political discourse has shifted to challenge the Fed's independence, with suggestions to tie monetary policy to administrative spending, undermining the Fed's constitutional status [5]. Group 3: Broader Financial System Concerns - The current situation reveals deep vulnerabilities in the U.S. financial regulatory system, with warnings that politicizing monetary policy could jeopardize the status of the dollar as a global reserve currency [7]. - The Democratic Party has remained largely silent on the issue, as internal assessments are being made regarding Powell's future and its potential impact on midterm elections [7]. - The ongoing investigation into the renovation project is seen as a precursor to broader challenges facing the credibility of monetary policy decision-makers, with the $2.5 billion renovation bill potentially being the first domino in a larger crisis [7].