In Washington, a tense face-off between Trump and Powell, wearing hard hats
During a visit to the Fed headquarters renovation site, Donald Trump attempted to portray the head of the Federal Reserve as an incompetent civil servant, incapable of controlling the costs of the operation. A display that will have no effect on interest rates, according to the American press.
It was a visit that the White House only announced at the last minute. Donald Trump was not scheduled to visit the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington on Thursday, July 24. The event gave rise to a “curious” scene in front of the cameras, reports Politico .
The US president appeared alongside Fed chief Jerome Powell, “a man he has been harassing for months and calling a 'fool' and a 'complete moron' because he refuses to lower interest rates,” both wearing hard hats – the Fed's offices are currently undergoing renovations.
It is not common for sitting presidents to visit the Central Bank, an institution that is supposed to be independent of political power, The New York Times points out .
“The last time was in 2006, when George W. Bush attended Ben Bernanke's inauguration.”
The unexpected visit illustrates the “showmanship” that marks Donald Trump’s approach to governance , notes The Wall Street Journal . “For a president who built his reputation on lavish real estate projects and reality TV shows, it offers an ideal television moment to portray Powell as an incompetent civil servant leading a $2.5 billion renovation m
Courrier International
