FEDERAL RESERVE/STEVE MNUCHIN/TREASURY/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell sat down with President Donald Trump on Monday [2-4-19]. That marked their first meeting since the president nominated Powell to the post and follows months of strong criticism from Trump about his nominee and the Fed. The central bank said in a statement it was an ‘informal dinner’ in the White House residence ‘to discuss recent economic developments and the outlook for growth, employment and inflation.’ The dinner lasted about 90 minutes and was attended by Fed Vice Chairman Richard Clarida and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Steak was served. Most presidents meet at least once and sometimes more often with the Fed chair. But given the president’s past criticism, it had been unclear if and when Powell and Trump would meet. The president had extended the invitation on Friday [2-1-19].”
–Steve Liesman and Everett Rosenfeld, “Trump dined with Fed chief Powell at White House to discuss economy,” USA Today, February 4, 2019 10:05 pm