太会挑时间了！近20年来首次，特朗普造访美联储施压降息，鲍威尔为何现场面无表情直摇头？

Core Viewpoint - The visit of President Trump to the Federal Reserve marks a significant challenge to the institution's independence, as he pressures for interest rate cuts amid economic concerns [1][3][5]. Economic Context - The U.S. economy is facing pressure, with a reported GDP contraction of 0.3% in Q1 2025, marking the first decline in three years [1]. - Consumer spending growth has sharply decreased from 4% in Q4 2024 to 1.8% in Q1 2025, while corporate investment increased by 9.8%, insufficient to offset the negative impacts of rising imports and reduced government spending [1]. Interest Rate Policy - Trump advocates for lowering the benchmark interest rate from the current range of 4.25% to 4.50% down to 1%, claiming it could save over $1 trillion in borrowing costs and stimulate economic growth [1][5]. - The Federal Reserve, led by Powell, is cautious about rate cuts, with the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting expected to maintain current rates while assessing inflation and employment responses to tariff policies [3][5]. Tension Between White House and Federal Reserve - The interaction between Trump and Powell during the visit highlighted the tension, with Powell emphasizing that decisions are based on economic data rather than political pressure [3][6]. - Trump's visit breaks the long-standing tradition of presidential non-interference in Federal Reserve operations, raising concerns about the potential erosion of the institution's independence [3][6]. Political Implications - Analysts suggest Trump's actions are politically motivated, aiming to boost the economy and stock market ahead of the 2025 election [5][8]. - The independence of the Federal Reserve is crucial for the stability of the U.S. dollar, which has seen a 9% decline since Trump's return to the presidency, with speculative short positions on the dollar reaching a high not seen since October 2024 [5][6]. Global Financial Impact - The ongoing power struggle between the White House and the Federal Reserve could have significant implications for global financial markets, as changes in U.S. monetary policy affect capital flows and currency stability worldwide [8].