Republicans have been fairly quiet since it was revealed that President Donald Trump's administration began investigating the Federal Reserve chairman, but behind the scenes, many appear to hate the fight, according to one analyst.
On Sunday, The New York Times reported that Trump-aligned former Fox News host and current federal prosecutor, Jeanine Pirro, had begun investigating Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell over his handling of the $2.5 billion headquarters renovation project. Trump had previously accused Powell of mismanaging the project, which Powell fact-checked live on television when Trump and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) attempted to confront him about the project.
Powell clapped back at the Trump administration's investigation.
"This unprecedented action should be seen in the broader context of the administration's threats and ongoing pressure," Powell said in a statement.
Analysts have noted the rich irony behind Trump's accusation that Powell mismanaged the office renovation, given that the cost of Trump's signature ballroom project has swelled to more than $350 million from its initial $200 million projection.
CNN analyst Phil Mattingly revealed on "The Lead" on Monday that Republicans have told him that they're not stoked about Trump continuing the fight with Powell.
"As one republican official told me earlier today on Capitol Hill, he said, 'We need this like we need to be punching ourselves in the face repeatedly,'" Mattingly said. "I don't know why you'd ever need to punch yourself in the face repeatedly, but I don't think it's a good idea."