Trump heads to Federal Reserve building — with sworn enemy and an axe to grind

President Donald Trump was headed to the Federal Reserve building on Thursday afternoon with an avowed enemy.

Trump claimed that the Federal Reserve renovation budget, which was under $2.5 billion, has now increased to over $3.1 billion. He brought it up in a Truth Social post announcing that he was headed to tour the building, along with several lawmakers, including Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).

He noted Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell would also attend, a frequent target of his attacks, along with several construction experts.

The Wall Street Journal published an exposé on the cost of the renovations, noting that among the problems are asbestos remediation and lead paint removal, but the centuries-old building also lacks some of the requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act, such as wheelchair accessible ramps in all locations.

Trump has implied that he could use the overspend on the project to fire Powell, who refuses to cater to Trump’s demand to drop interest rates.

Trump nominated Powell to be the chair in 2017.