25 亿预算引怒特朗普！美联储翻新超支 30%，鲍威尔饱受争议！

Core Points - The renovation of the Federal Reserve's Washington headquarters, initially budgeted at $1.9 billion, has escalated to $2.5 billion, reflecting a cost increase of over 30% [3][6] - The project aims to modernize two historic buildings, the Eccles Building and the East Building, which have not undergone significant renovations in nearly a century [3][6] - The rising costs are attributed to various hidden expenses, including labor, materials, maintenance, and environmental factors, leading to criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell [1][6] Cost Factors - The initial budget underestimated key factors such as inflation during the pandemic, rising construction material prices, and unforeseen infrastructure issues [6][8] - Between 2021 and 2022, the prices of construction materials like steel surged due to global supply chain constraints and increased demand in the construction industry [6][8] - Environmental challenges, including the discovery of asbestos and unique soil and groundwater issues in Washington D.C., complicated the excavation work and increased costs [6][7] Aesthetic and Regulatory Requirements - The aesthetic demands of the renovation project have also significantly contributed to the cost increase, with a shift towards using high-end materials like white marble, as mandated by the Trump administration [7][8] - The Federal Reserve's requirement for all materials to be sourced domestically further escalated costs, as specialized craftsmanship was needed to match the historical architecture [7][8] Public Perception and Response - Critics, including Trump and his supporters, have labeled the project as a waste of funds, citing unnecessary luxury features like a rooftop garden and VIP elevators [8] - In response, the Federal Reserve has denied these claims, clarifying that many of the alleged luxury features do not exist and emphasizing the project's necessity [8] - The ongoing budget increases reflect broader economic challenges faced by the Federal Reserve, including inflation, labor shortages, and global supply chain disruptions [8]