美联储“豪装”？鲍威尔发信否认白宫指责

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell responded to criticisms from the White House regarding the renovation of the Fed's headquarters, denying allegations of extravagance and asserting that the project has been under strict supervision since its approval in 2017 [1][4][5]. Group 1: Renovation Project Details - The renovation project was approved in 2017 and has been subject to strict oversight, with Powell emphasizing the necessity of significant structural repairs and updates due to the age of the buildings, which date back to the 1930s [4][10]. - Powell refuted claims of luxury features in the renovation, stating that there are no plans for a VIP restaurant or special elevators [4][10]. - The budget for the renovation has increased from an initial estimate of $1.9 billion to nearly $2.5 billion [10]. Group 2: Political Context - The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the renovation, suggesting it is excessively lavish and using it as a potential justification for Powell's removal [5][10]. - Trump expressed that spending $2.5 billion on renovations is shameful and indicated that it could be a reason for Powell's dismissal, although he later stated that it is unlikely to happen unless fraud is proven [10][12]. - The White House's National Economic Council Director stated that Trump has the right to dismiss Powell if there are valid reasons [10]. Group 3: Monetary Policy and Market Reactions - Trump has been dissatisfied with the Fed's interest rate policies, advocating for a reduction in the current rate of approximately 4.3% to below 3% [12][13]. - Powell has maintained a cautious approach to monetary policy adjustments, indicating the need to assess the impact of tariffs on inflation and future economic trends [12][13]. - The ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Powell have raised concerns about the Fed's independence in decision-making [13].