Lawmakers expressed concern over the Justice Department's criminal inquiry into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, potentially jeopardizing President Donald Trump's efforts to appoint a new central bank leader. Powell disclosed Sunday that the DOJ served the Fed with grand jury subpoenas, threatening a criminal indictment related to his testimony before the Senate last June regarding renovations on the Fed headquarters, which have experienced cost overruns.
Powell characterized the allegations as a pretext, suggesting the investigation was aimed at undermining the Fed's ability to set interest rates independently of political influence. While Trump has criticized Powell for his reluctance to cut rates for much of the past year, the president stated he was unaware of the DOJ probe.
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, echoed Powell's concerns and criticized the DOJ. "If there were any remaining doubt whether advisers within the Trump Administration are actively pushing to end the independence of the Federal Reserve, there should now be none," Tillis wrote in a post on X. "It is now the independence and credibility of the Department of Justice that are in question." Tillis also stated he would not confirm anyone for the Fed until the case is resolved.
The investigation centers on Powell's testimony concerning cost overruns associated with the renovation of the Federal Reserve's headquarters. The Fed is an independent agency responsible for monetary policy, and its independence from political pressure is considered crucial for economic stability.
The Justice Department has not commented on the specifics of the investigation. The Senate Banking Committee, which oversees the Fed, is expected to hold hearings on the matter. The inquiry's outcome could have significant implications for the Fed's leadership and its perceived independence.
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