Politics

Federal Reserve Chair Powell Faces Criminal Investigation; Alleges Political Intimidation

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Jan 13, 2026

THE BARE STORY

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced on Sunday that he is the subject of a criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. The inquiry focuses on the management of a $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank’s Washington, D.C., headquarters and Powell’s related testimony before Congress. Powell stated that the Federal Reserve was served with grand jury subpoenas on Friday.

In a video statement, Powell alleged that the investigation is an attempt by the Trump administration to intimidate him because the Federal Reserve has not cut interest rates as aggressively as the president desires. President Donald Trump denied directing the probe, stating he knew nothing about it, though he reiterated criticisms of Powell’s performance. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, defended the investigation, stating that her office proceeded based on the case's merits after the Federal Reserve allegedly ignored multiple attempts to discuss cost overruns and testimony.

The situation has generated significant backlash on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns regarding the central bank's independence. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican member of the Senate Banking Committee, threatened to block any future central bank nominees until the investigation is resolved. Given the committee's narrow partisan composition, a single Republican objection could halt the confirmation process. Other legislators, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Susan Collins, warned that the conflict between the executive branch and the Fed could threaten economic stability.

International monetary leaders also responded to the news, issuing a joint statement on Tuesday in defense of Powell. Signatories, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, expressed solidarity with the Federal Reserve Chair. The group described Powell as a public servant of integrity and emphasized that preserving central bank independence is critical for maintaining financial and price stability.

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• Investigation based on case merits U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro defended the probe, stating that her office proceeded based on the merits of the case regarding the management of the headquarters' renovation and related testimony. She alleged that the investigation moved forward only after the Federal Reserve ignored multiple attempts to discuss cost overruns.

• Legislative blockage of future nominees Republican Senator Thom Tillis has threatened to block any future central bank nominees until the investigation is resolved. Because of the Senate Banking Committee's narrow partisan composition, a single objection from a Republican member could effectively halt the confirmation process.

• Criticism of performance and renovation costs President Trump reiterated his criticisms of Powell’s performance, although he denied directing the specific investigation into the $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank's headquarters. The inquiry specifically focuses on the management of these renovation funds and Powell’s testimony before Congress regarding the project.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

Your financial environment may face instability, as lawmakers and global leaders warn that the conflict between the executive branch and the central bank threatens economic security.

Future appointments to the central bank could halt indefinitely, as Senator Thom Tillis has vowed to block all nominees in the Senate Banking Committee until the investigation concludes.

Interest rate policies affecting your mortgages and savings may face scrutiny, as Powell alleges the administration is using the investigation to pressure the Fed into cutting rates.

Public oversight of government funds is under review, with the Justice Department investigating the management of a $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank’s headquarters.

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