WASHINGTON — President Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made an awkward pair Thursday as they toured a grossly over-budget renovation of the central bank’s headquarters near the White House.
“Mr. President, as a real estate developer, how would you deal with a project manager who is over budget?” The Post asked Trump after he and a grim-faced Powell approached the press wearing hard hats before examining the $2.5 billion project.
“Generally speaking, what would I do? I’d fire them,” Trump said as the Fed chair looked on.
“I don’t want to be personal,” the president added in response to a follow-up question. “I just would like to see it get finished.”
Trump has repeatedly demanded that Powell resign for not lowering interest rates, but thus far has decided against attempting to fire him for cause, with the renovation emerging as the most plausible justification for attempting such an unprecedented move.
This is a developing story. Check back for more information.
