President Donald Trump downplayed a public disagreement Thursday with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over the cost of the central bank’s headquarters renovation, emphasizing his desire to see interest rates lowered instead of firing Powell.

Trump and Powell toured the Fed’s ongoing $2.5 billion renovation project, where the president said the costs had climbed to $3.1 billion. Powell disputed that figure, saying he had not seen it and pointed out that Trump was including a building completed five years ago.

“You just added in a third building,” Powell said. Trump responded, “Well, I know, but it’s a building that’s being built.”

Powell said he does not expect further cost overruns. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

Last week, Trump suggested Powell’s handling of the project could be grounds for firing him. But Thursday, Trump said he does not believe firing Powell is necessary.

“I just want to see one thing happen, very simple — interest rates have to come down,” Trump said. He described his conversation with Powell as “productive” and said their relationship was “good.”

The renovation includes upgrades to two historic Federal Reserve buildings and has faced criticism over rising costs linked to asbestos removal, inflation, and regulatory compliance.

While Trump has criticized Powell on multiple fronts, legal experts say the Fed chairman can only be removed for cause, not policy disagreements.