In a remarkable scene at the Federal Reserve headquarters, President Donald Trump today escalated his pressure campaign for drastic rate cuts, warning that current policy "handcuffs" the U.S. economy during a tour of the central bank's renovation project with Chair Jerome Powell.

Key Demands:

• Immediate Action: "We want to see interest rates go down...to the absolute lowest"

• Economic Argument: Claimed current 2.25-2.5% range "slows growth" despite 3.1% GDP expansion

• Global Threat: "Without us, the whole world would collapse" - justifying ultra-low rates

• Projected Savings: Suggested rate cuts could save "$1 trillion annually"

Behind-the-Scenes Details:

1. Private Discussion: 25-minute closed-door meeting with Powell described as "very productive"

2. Building Controversy: Criticized $3.1B renovation costs but conceded project's necessity

3. Policy Tension: Acknowledged discussing "overspending" rather than monetary policy

Market Implications:

✓ Fed Funds Futures:

• 78% probability of September cut (vs 65% pre-visit)

• 32% chance of 50-basis-point cut by December

✓ Contradictory Signals:

• Two Trump-appointed governors previously advocated for 25-basis-point cut

• NYT reports internal Fed divisions on maintaining pause

Full Statement Highlights:

"Our economy is doing phenomenally...but it could be phenomenaler with lower rates," Trump told reporters. "Powell will do the right thing - maybe a little late - but he'll cut."

Context:

• Comes 7 days before critical FOMC meeting

• Marks 18th public Fed critique this year

• Follows January's "insurance cuts" pause