Illustration for: Markets slide as DOJ opens criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell; former chairs defend independence
AI-generated illustration. Visual interpretation does not represent real individuals or scenes.

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

2026-01-12

The BareStory

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.

Left Perspective

  • The Department of Justice is investigating allegations of false remarks to Congress.
  • The President maintains that current interest rates are excessive.
  • Proposals have been introduced to cap credit card interest rates for consumers.

Right Perspective

  • Chair Powell asserts the investigation is politically motivated.
  • Former chairs argue that monetary policy must remain independent.
  • There are warnings that politicizing the bank poses economic risks.

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.

Read the story at