特朗普一张纸引发的质疑！美联储翻修到底耗资25亿还是31亿美元？

Core Viewpoint - The renovation costs of the Federal Reserve's headquarters have become a contentious issue, with President Trump claiming the costs have risen to $3.1 billion, while the Federal Reserve officially states the costs are $2.5 billion. This discrepancy has led to calls for investigations into potential mismanagement or fraud related to the project [1][6]. Group 1: Renovation Costs and Discrepancies - President Trump mentioned that the renovation project costs have escalated to $3.1 billion, which includes a building completed five years ago, according to Federal Reserve Chairman Powell [1]. - The Federal Reserve initially estimated the renovation costs at $2.5 billion, but recent reports indicate that costs have increased by over 30% since the beginning of 2023 [6]. - The project has faced criticism from Trump administration officials, who labeled it as extravagant, citing features like a rooftop garden and luxury dining facilities [6]. Group 2: Challenges of the Renovation Project - The renovation involves two historic buildings from the 1930s, which have never undergone a comprehensive renovation, and includes significant structural work such as asbestos and lead removal [4]. - The most challenging aspects of the renovation are underground, where extensive excavation is required due to high groundwater levels and the building's location near a tidal lake [9][10]. - The project has been recognized for its complexity, with the contractor receiving an award for overcoming significant challenges related to the building's foundation [9]. Group 3: Future Projections and Economic Implications - The renovation is expected to be completed by 2027, as stated by Powell, amidst ongoing scrutiny and criticism [12]. - Trump expressed hopes for lower interest rates, suggesting that a reduction to 1% could save the U.S. over $1 trillion, indicating potential economic implications tied to the Federal Reserve's decisions [13][14]. - Economic analysts predict a high probability of interest rate cuts in the upcoming Federal Reserve meetings, driven by declining inflation and slowing economic growth [14].