Jerome Powell Under Fire: DOJ Probe, Trump Pressure, and Fed Independence
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Jerome Powell, chosen Fed Chair in 2017 by President Trump, has long been a target of Trump’s criticism over interest rate policies. Trump has frequently urged lower rates to encourage growth, while Powell has persisted in setting rates based on economic realities, not political preferences.
On January 11, 2026, Powell disclosed that the DOJ issued subpoenas linked to his congressional testimony about the Fed’s headquarters remodeling. The DOJ examination centers on Powell’s June 2025 testimony before the Senate Banking Committee discussing the refurbishment project. Powell termed the claims a “pretext” aimed at punishing him for opposing Trump’s demands on interest rates.
Former Fed Chairs Janet Yellen, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan criticized the probe as an unprecedented attack on Fed independence. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) threatened to filibuster any Trump nominations to replace Powell until the situation is settled.
In a public speech, Powell emphasized: “No one, certainly not the chair of the Federal Reserve, is above the law.” However, he cautioned that political intimidation should be taken into consideration while evaluating the DOJ’s activities. He reiterated that the Fed’s goal is to serve the public interest rather than any president’s inclinations.
The investigation’s news caused market turbulence, with stocks plunging overnight. Analysts caution that compromising the independence of the Fed could erode investor trust in the stability of the US financial system. Monetary policy should be politicized to avoid recession or inflation. The conflict brings to light the precarious equilibrium between institutional independence and executive authority in American administration.
