Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, publicly stated that he attributes the unprecedented investigation by the U.S. Justice Department to former President Donald Trump’s displeasure over the Fed’s decision not to cut interest rates. Powell’s remarks were made during a public interview in which he emphasized the independence of monetary policy and the perceived political motivations behind the inquiry. He asserted that the probe was largely a response to Trump’s frustration rather than a genuine concern about federal financial oversight. _2_ The Federal Reserve, established to maintain economic stability, operates with a mandate that includes controlling inflation and ensuring financial system soundness. By revealing his perspective, Powell highlighted the tension that can arise when executive branch actions intersect with central banking decisions. While the Justice Department has not released specific allegations related to last year’s rate policy, the comments by the Fed chair underline a broader debate about the limits of political influence over economic institutions. _3_ Powell’s statement underscores the regulator’s view that the investigation was driven by political motivations rather than substantive fiscal concerns. The remarks have sparked discussion regarding the boundaries of judicial scrutiny, the role of the central bank in monetary policy, and the potential impact of partisan politics on the perception of federal economic governance. The narrative remains centered on the assertion that the investigation is a product of political dynamics rather than policy missteps.
Powell Criticises Justice Department Probe, Blaming Trump’s Anger Over Fed Policy