Pro Login

Jerome Powell Faces Criminal Investigation Amid Pressure from Trump

Briefs Media Newspaper Logo Market Briefs
Briefs Finance
Published Jan 12, 2026
Share:
A white balance scale on a blue background with a wrench and fist on one side and a dollar symbol on the other. BriefsFinance logo in the bottom right corner.
Summary:

  • Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chairman.
  • The Department of Justice served grand jury subpoenas related to Powell's 2025 testimony before the Senate Banking Committee.
  • Powell states the investigation is due to the Fed's commitment to setting interest rates based on public service rather than Trump's preferences.

Investigation Details

On Sunday evening, Jerome Powell confirmed that federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation against him.

This investigation follows the Federal Reserve's actions in setting interest rates, which Powell asserts are based on the best public assessment, not influenced by President Donald Trump's preferences.

Background on the Subpoenas

According to Powell, the Department of Justice (DOJ) served the Federal Reserve with grand jury subpoenas. These subpoenas threaten a criminal indictment related to his testimony before the Senate Banking Committee in June 2025.

This testimony included discussions about a multi-year project to renovate historic Federal Reserve office buildings, a focus that has now drawn scrutiny.

Pressure from the Trump Administration

Powell noted that this investigation should be viewed within the context of ongoing pressure from the Trump administration.

Trump has publicly criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates as quickly or as much as he desired since taking office in January 2025. Powell's insistence on maintaining a certain course for interest rates has led to increased tensions between the Fed and the Trump administration.

Importance of Accountability

In his video statement, Powell expressed deep respect for the rule of law and emphasized that accountability is vital in a democracy.

He stated, "No one, certainly not the chair of the Federal Reserve, is above the law." This statement highlights his commitment to transparency and adherence to legal standards amidst the investigation.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Fed

This investigation marks a significant moment for the Federal Reserve and its leadership. As the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, oversees the inquiry, it raises questions about the future relationship between the Fed and the current administration.

The outcome of this investigation could have lasting implications for how the Federal Reserve operates and its independence in setting monetary policy.

Disclosure

Get Market Briefs delivered to your inbox every morning for free!

Homepage V1 opt-in (#63)
No fluff. No noise. No politics. Just finance news you can read in 5 minutes.

Blogs

January 19, 2026
Expense Ratio: What It Is, How To Calculate It, And Why It Matters

What Is an Expense Ratio? An expense ratio is the […]

Read More
January 18, 2026
What Is An IPO? Your Guide To Initial Public Offerings

There are hundreds of thousands, possibly even millions, of businesses […]

Read More
January 17, 2026
Banco Santander Stock: A Hidden Gem In Europe’s Blockbuster Comeback?

Americans Are Moving Money Overseas In 2025, U.S. investors invested […]

Read More
January 16, 2026
How To Save Money 101: Saving Your First $2,000 Fast

Why $2,000 Is Your First Money Goal Everybody wants to […]

Read More
January 15, 2026
EA Stock vs TTWO Stock: Which Gaming Giant Wins in 2026?

The Nintendo Switch 2 sold 3.5 million units in its […]

Read More
January 15, 2026
77+ Stock Market Terms Every Investor Should Know In Plain English

Stock market investing can feel like learning a new language.  […]

Read More
January 14, 2026
Dividend Investing: Building Passive Income That Pays You Regularly

All investors want one thing: To get paid. The question […]

Read More
January 13, 2026
UUUU Stock: Why This Uranium Stock Could Boom This Year

AI is consuming tons of power - that’s leading to […]

Read More
January 13, 2026
How to Build Generational Wealth: The Complete 6-Step Journey

What Is Generational Wealth (And Why You Need It) Generational […]

Read More
January 13, 2026
Drone Stocks - Is Joby Set To Take Off?

On June 6th, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order […]

Read More
1 2 3 6
Share via
Copy link