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During the interaction, Trump pressed the Fed chair on the apparent increase in renovation expenses, which reportedly rose from an initial estimate of $2.7 billion to approximately $3.1 billion. The exchange was notably candid, with Trump presenting “receipts” and questioning the financial oversight of the project.
“I’ve got the actual numbers here,” Trump emphasized, showing little patience for ambiguity or denial. The Fed officials responded with aloofness, claiming that the increased figures included costs for a building that was already constructed—specifically mentioning the Martin building, which was built five years ago. The dialogue revealed a lack of clarity on the budget and what exactly these rising figures entailed, with Trump demanding transparency and accountability.