Trump Fact-Checked on Live TV by His Own Fed Chair for Fudging Numbers

President Donald Trump donned a hard hat to visit the currently under-construction Federal Reserve headquarters following his criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the renovation's ballooning costs.

While touring the site with Powell, Trump claimed the cost of the renovation had risen to $3.1 billion, up from the previously reported $2.7 billion.

"I was not aware of that, Mr. President," a visibly surprised Powell said. "I haven't heard that from anybody at the Fed."

"It just came out," Trump said, reaching into his jacket to reveal a print out of costs.

Examining the print out, Powell had an ah-ha moment. "You just added in a third building, is what that is," Powell said, pointing to a figure on the paper. "It was built 5 years ago."

"It's not new," Powell stated plainly when Trump started to defend the cost's inclusion in the current project total.

Trump has openly criticized Powell for his refusal to cut interest rates and reportedly looked into firing him last week, before deciding against it. "I don't rule out anything, but I think it's highly unlikely," Trump told reporters. "Unless he has to leave for fraud."

Trump seemed at least momentarily pacified by the end of the construction site tour. Asked if he was still considering firing Powell, he said, "That is a big move, and I just don't think it's necessary." Still, Trump made it clear he still wants the federal interest rate lowered, alluding to the expectation by adding, "And I believe that he's going to do the right thing."

Though Powell's term ends next May, Trump has continued to pressure him publicly, calling him a "numbskull," "Too Late," and accusing the Fed of politically motivated decisions.

Powell has taken the friction in stride, reminding reporters that the Fed remains independent and publishing an official website detailing renovation plans on the building, which has not undergone significant remodeling since the 1930's.