Economy

Markets slide as DOJ opens criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell; former chairs defend independence

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Jan 12, 2026

THE BARE STORY

Financial markets declined and safe-haven assets surged on Monday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced he is the subject of a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice. The probe reportedly centers on allegations that Powell made false remarks to Congress regarding a renovation project at the central bank's headquarters.

In a video statement released Sunday, Powell characterized the investigation as an "unprecedented" and politically motivated attempt to influence interest rate policy. He asserted that the Federal Reserve sets rates based on economic necessities rather than the preferences of the administration. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the Fed for keeping rates high, denied any involvement in the investigation but reiterated his stance that interest rates are "far too high."

The developments prompted volatility in the markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping significantly before recovering some losses. Gold and silver prices rallied, while the U.S. dollar weakened. Bank stocks also fell, a decline attributed to both the investigation and a separate social media post by President Trump advocating for a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates.

In response to the mounting pressure on the central bank, four former Federal Reserve chairs—Alan Greenspan, Paul Volcker, Ben Bernanke, and Janet Yellen—issued a joint statement defending the institution's independence. The group argued that monetary policy decisions must remain free from short-term political influence to maintain economic stability, warning that politicizing the bank could lead to higher inflation and weaker growth.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

Two AI models. Two viewpoints. One factual foundation.

Perspective by Claude

• The Department of Justice is investigating allegations of false remarks to Congress. The criminal probe reportedly focuses on claims that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell made untrue statements to lawmakers regarding a renovation project at the central bank's headquarters. President Donald Trump has explicitly denied any involvement in the initiation of this investigation.

• The President maintains that current interest rates are excessive. President Trump reiterated his long-standing criticism of the Federal Reserve, stating that interest rates remain "far too high." This stance aligns with his previous critiques of the central bank for keeping rates at elevated levels.

• Proposals have been introduced to cap credit card interest rates for consumers. In a separate development impacting the financial sector, President Trump advocated on social media for a one-year, 10% limit on credit card interest rates. This policy suggestion, combined with the news of the investigation, contributed to a decline in bank stocks.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• You may experience value fluctuations in retirement accounts or stock portfolios as markets react with volatility and bank stocks decline following the probe announcement.

• You could see changes in borrowing costs if the administration pursues the President's suggestion to cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent for one year.

• Your purchasing power relative to foreign currencies may decline as the U.S. dollar weakens, while the value of assets like gold and silver may increase.

• You might face higher inflation and weaker economic growth in the long term if political pressure influences monetary policy, according to warnings from former Federal Reserve leaders.

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