Trump and Powell’s Live TV Clash Over Federal Reserve Renovation Budget Sparks Debate

International News: The uneasy relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spilled into the open during a televised visit to the Fed’s headquarters renovation site. Trump, who has spent months urging the Fed to cut interest rates and has often branded Powell a “stubborn mule” and “fool,” faced an unexpected rebuttal when Powell corrected him on camera.

Exchange Turns Heated at Site Visit

A now-viral clip shows Trump wearing a construction helmet while touring the under-renovation Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C. Speaking to reporters, Trump confidently declared, “The renovation will cost roughly $3.1 billion. We’re keeping track of it.”

Powell immediately disagreed, shaking his head and stating, “That figure isn’t correct. The actual cost is closer to $2.5 billion, and no one at the Fed has ever quoted the number you mentioned.”

Trump Waves Paperwork to Support His Claim

After Powell’s pushback, Trump reached into his jacket and produced a folded paper, handing it to Powell as supposed evidence. Scanning the document, Powell noted, “You’ve included a third building in that estimate.”

Trump quickly responded, “That building is part of the same project—it’s still being worked on.”

But Powell contradicted him again: “That building was completed five years ago—it’s not part of the current renovation.”

Trump Softens Tone After Sharp Back-and-Forth

Realizing the tense exchange was being filmed, Trump tried to ease the situation. “All I want is for the renovation to finish quickly so we can have improved facilities,” he remarked. The moment reflected the larger backdrop of friction: Trump has been repeatedly pressing the Federal Reserve for aggressive interest rate cuts, something Powell has resisted.

Powell Pushes Back Publicly—A First

Until now, Powell has avoided directly challenging Trump in public settings. But this instance marked the first on-camera correction of the president’s statements—instantly making headlines across the U.S. Commentators have called it a “new turning point” in their ongoing feud.

Video Sparks Online Frenzy

The footage raced across social platforms, prompting jokes, memes, and sharp political commentary. Some labeled the moment “a political reality show scene,” while others argued it showed Trump’s continuing efforts to lean on Powell and the Fed over policy decisions.

The Real Story Beneath the Budget Spat

Economists say the argument over renovation figures is merely a symptom of deeper tensions. Trump has been urging rate cuts to spur growth, while Powell has stuck to a cautious stance, which the president claims is slowing the economy.

Could the Confrontation Escalate?

Political analysts expect the Trump–Powell friction to intensify, particularly as the country edges toward election season. With the economy at the center of Trump’s messaging, experts predict further public clashes over the Fed’s direction are almost certain.