In a dramatic moment that left reporters momentarily speechless, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt unveiled a global interest rate comparison chart during Monday’s briefing, delivering a forceful economic message aimed squarely at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Flanked by patriotic messaging and energized by what she called a “historic week” for former President Donald Trump, Leavitt outlined sweeping policy victories and economic ambitions, underscoring the administration’s aggressive push for what she repeatedly referred to as the “one big beautiful bill.” But it was her visual aid—a chart comparing U.S. interest rates to those of dozens of countries—that ignited the most discussion.

“Switzerland, Cambodia, Japan, even Cuba and Algeria are paying lower interest rates than the United States,” Leavitt said, holding up the chart. “Meanwhile, America has one of the strongest economies in the world.”

She then read aloud a note sent by President Trump to Chair Powell: “Jerome, you are, as usual, too late. You have cost the USA a fortune and continue to do so. You should lower the rate by a lot.”

The attack wasn’t just rhetorical. According to Leavitt, the administration estimates that “hundreds of billions of dollars are being lost” due to what it sees as overly restrictive Fed policy, despite what she claimed is “historically low inflation.” She credited this low inflation to Trump’s energy strategy, deregulation agenda, and efforts to reduce government spending.

The briefing served as a showcase of the administration’s economic argument: that the U.S. economy is roaring back to life under Trump’s return to leadership, and that lingering high interest rates are the final obstacle preventing a full-scale economic boom.

“Summer gas prices are at their lowest in four years,” Leavitt declared. “The S&P 500 and NASDAQ are breaking records. And with the Trump economic boom just beginning, we need to make borrowing cheaper for everyday Americans.”

But Leavitt’s press room performance was not limited to macroeconomic metrics. She also used the opportunity to tout a range of recent victories, including Trump’s brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, a successful push to raise NATO allies’ defense spending to 5% of GDP, and what she claimed was a reinvigorated U.S. energy sector.

However, at the heart of the administration’s economic message is the passage of what Leavitt called “the one big beautiful bill”—a sweeping legislative package that includes:

The largest tax cuts in U.S. history for the middle and working class.

Record investments in border security, including funding for a new immigration detention facility dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades.

Permanently enshrining the Trump tax cuts into law.

Reinforcement of Medicaid protections for eligible citizens through the elimination of fraud and abuse.

A new “Golden Dome” missile defense system to address emerging national security threats.

“This bill exposes the clear differences between Republicans and Democrats in 2025,” Leavitt said, pivoting sharply to attack Democrats, particularly focusing on Zoron Mandami, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor. She accused him of promoting extremist positions, from defunding police to supporting anti-Israel and pro-Hamas groups.

“Meanwhile, Republicans under President Trump are fighting tirelessly for everyday, middle-class working Americans,” she said. “We are carrying out a revolution of common sense.”

Leavitt also took aim at the estimated 1.44 million undocumented immigrants she claimed are improperly receiving Medicaid benefits. She criticized congressional Democrats for allegedly standing in the way of reform efforts that would redirect those resources toward eligible American citizens.

“The Democrats are more concerned with defending illegal aliens than they are with supporting hardworking Americans,” she said bluntly.

The White House, according to Leavitt, has been in “constant communication” with lawmakers throughout the weekend to ensure the bill makes it to the president’s desk before the July 4th recess. Passage of the legislation, she insisted, would mark a transformative moment for the country.

While the White House message was delivered with trademark bravado, it comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve. The Fed has thus far resisted calls to dramatically cut rates, citing lingering risks of inflation and economic overheating. Yet, Leavitt’s public airing of Trump’s direct criticisms reflects an intensifying campaign to pressure the central bank ahead of key policy decisions.

With the stage set for a showdown between the White House and the Fed, Leavitt ended her briefing with a call to unity among Republicans. “We are counting on them to stay tough and unified during the home stretch,” she said.

The moment she held up that chart—listing dozens of countries with lower rates than the U.S.—was more than a media stunt. It was a signal that the administration intends to tie the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy directly to its narrative of economic rebirth under Trump. Whether that strategy proves persuasive with voters—or with Powell—remains to be seen.