Watch: Trump jokes he wants Powell to lower interest rates in awkward exchange

In a recent exchange, President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell engaged in an awkward interaction during a tour of the Fed's headquarters. The conversation centered around the cost and timeline of the renovation project at the Fed's building. During the tour, Trump jokingly suggested that he wanted Powell to lower interest rates, a point of contention between the two. The president has repeatedly criticized the Fed's policies, arguing that the central bank's decisions have hindered economic growth. The exchange, which was captured on video, highlighted the ongoing tension between the White House and the Federal Reserve. While the interaction was described as "awkward," it underscores the complex relationship between the president and the independent institution responsible for monetary policy decisions. The article emphasizes the significance of the incident, as it showcases the continued efforts by the Trump administration to influence the Fed's decision-making process, despite the central bank's independence.