香港《亚洲周刊》刊文：美联储与财政部的分分合合

Core Viewpoint - The relationship between the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury is once again a focal point of power struggle, reminiscent of historical tensions, particularly in light of recent political actions and economic pressures [1][5]. Historical Context - The Federal Reserve was under the control of the Treasury until the "Treasury-Fed Accord" in March 1951, which restored its independence and established the foundation for modern central banking in the U.S. [1][3]. - During World War II, the Fed agreed to keep short-term Treasury bill rates at 3.8% and long-term bond rates at 2.5% to assist in war financing, leading to increased money supply and loss of control over its balance sheet [2]. Recent Developments - Former President Trump announced the dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing alleged mortgage fraud, which she has contested in court, potentially impacting the Fed's independence [1][4]. - Trump's nomination of Stephen Milan as a new Fed governor and the ongoing investigation by the Justice Department into Cook's allegations highlight the current political pressures on the Fed [1][4]. Proposed Economic Strategies - Milan's "Mar-a-Lago Agreement" suggests radical measures to enhance U.S. export competitiveness, including forcing foreign governments to convert U.S. debt into long-term bonds and implementing aggressive financial policies [4]. - Critics argue that these strategies could disrupt the global financial system and represent a regression to political manipulation of the Fed, contrasting sharply with the independence established in 1951 [4][5]. Future Implications - The current situation presents a crossroads for the U.S., weighing the importance of institutional independence and market trust against the pressures of managing national debt [4][5].